Edge Davao 9 Issue 10 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

VOL. 9 ISSUE 10 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 2016

P 15.00 • 26 PAGES

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ARAW NG DAVAO SPECIAL

PARADA DAVAEÑO. Participants of Parada Davaoeño, the culminating activity of the Araw ng Davao celebration, are all smiles while performing in front of thousands of spectators. At least 300 groups and organizations are expected to join in today’s civic and military parade. Lean Daval Jr.

MOVING UP

Duterte jumps to no. 2 in Pulse Asia-ABS CBN poll, Poe remains on top PULSE ASIA-ABS CBN SURVEY March 1-6, 2016

DUTERTE 24 POE 28 BINAY 21

SANTIAGO 3 ROXAS 20

EDGE DAVAO INFOGRAPHICS

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

abf@edgedavao.net

RESIDENTIAL bet Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte jumped to second spot in the latest Pulse Asia Presidential Survey commissioned by television giant ABS-CBN. Released yesterday, the Pulse Asia-ABS CBN survey conducted from March 1 to 6, 2016 saw Duterte gain three percent from his previous 21 percent in the March 4 results to 24 percent on the March 1-6 poll. Sen. Grace Poe also gained 2 percent to go up from 26 to 28 percent. Sharing statistical third place are Vice President Jejomar Binay with 21 percent, and administration

candidate Mar Roxas with 20 percent. Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago received 3 percent while five percent expressed non-support for any presidential candidate. Duterte’s campaign manager Leoncio Evasco said the results of the Pulse Asia survey that placed the candidate from Mindanao second only to Poe is proof that more and more Filipinos are becoming convinced his political agenda. “This proves our claim that Duterte is gradually but surely making ground and converting adherents,” Evasco said in a statement. He said the current stand-

ing of Duterte, according to Evasco, is a good sign for the mayor’s bid for the presidency. “We are comfortable where we are at this stage of the campaign period,” he said. Evasco said among the candidates for president, it is only Duterte who has vision, competence, track record, compassion, and heart for the people and the country. “People are now choosing him because they want to have a better life,” Evasco said. He said he believe that people are now realizing that it is only through the political agenda of Duterte whose

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2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 10 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 2016

ONE FOR RODY. Members of the Davao Association of Differently Abled Persons from Davao City and Davao del Norte converge at Rizal Park to show their support to the presidential candidacy of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte. Lean Daval Jr.

Duterte doubts Binay will disclose accounts

HERE is no let up for Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte’s torment over presidential rival Vice President Jejomar Binay on corruption issues. In a statement on Tuesday, Duterte said he doubts if Binay will be man enough to take the challenge of willingly disclosing his bank records. When asked by reporters in Tacloban City last Monday whether he expects Binay to accept his dare, Duterte answered, “hindi siguro (I don’t think so).” Duterte noted that despite the freeze of the vice president’s bank accounts, he has always evaded efforts to uncover his wealth. “His bank records are being opened now. Why would he not cooperate?” Duterte said,

referring to the Anti-Money Laundering Council’s (AMLC) freeze of the bank accounts of Binay and his associates. The mayor and his running mate Senator Alan Peter Cayetano have recently signed a waiver allowing access to their bank accounts. Duterte and Cayetano believe that the waiver is one of the measures that will ensure that presidential and vice-presidential aspirants are not hiding ill-gotten wealth. The AMLC has earlier said Binay received billions of pesos from infrastructure projects through dummies while he served as mayor of Makati City. The council said the money was used to fund Binay’s vice presidential bid in 2010. ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

P282-M SB okayed on Third Reading By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

HE City Council passed on third reading the supplemental budget (SB1), allocated for general fund proper, development fund, and the economic enterprises on Monday. The SB1 amounts to P282 million. SB1 is appropriated as Development Fund worth P178 million or 63 percent of the total amount, General Fund worth P99.3 million or 35.2 percent, and the Economic Enterprise worth P4.6 million

or 1.7 percent. In the report of the Committee on Finance, Ways and Means Appropriation headed by Councilor Danilo C. Dayanghirang, the development fund appropriation will be for infra and non-infra projects. Infrastructure projects will have a total budget share of 98.9 percent of the development fund for the funding of priority projects identified by the barangays. Mayor Rodrigo R. Dute-

rte has earlier committed to provide each barangay with P1-million budget for their priority projects. Out of 182, only 167 barangay projects were identified and included in the SB1. The other barangay projects will be funded from the reversion of the excess in the 2015 appropriation. Meanwhile, a lump sum appropriation of P62.1 million is allocated for the miscellaneous personnel benefits fund.

The amount will be used to pay for the last trench of the collective negotiation agreement (CNA) incentive of the 2,484 regular personnel. They will each receive P25,000. The office of the City Mayor is also given an appropriation of P27.42 million, of which P25.9 million will be allocated for the Lingap Program. The amount will be used to pay the previous year’s balance to various hospitals, clinics, dialysis centers and funeral parlors.

Golden Globe Awards Council, National Data Research Examiner and Marketing Services Inc., Philippine Best Companies Inc., Sinag News Magazine and Sinag Foundation, Inc., the Golden Globe Annual Awards for Outstanding Filipino Achievers is conferred to individuals who have remarkable achievements worthy of commendation. Governor Malanyaon joins other national personalities to include Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Senator Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos, Senator Cynthia Vil-

lar, Public Attorney’s Office Chief Persida V. Rueda-Acosta, and Congressman Karlo Alexei B. Nograles, among others in the roster of public service awardees. She said she is deeply honored to have received this award and at the same time humbled to have been selected alongside prominent leaders of the country. As a second-time Golden Globe awardee, Governor Malanyaon was chosen again by the council because of her staggering accomplishments and towering legacies that made Davao Oriental a lead-

ing province in the region in terms of local governance, agriculture, health, disaster rehabilitation, local revenue collection, peace and order and in addressing malnutrition prevalence rate reduction. Now on her last term, Governor Malanyaon has managed to promote ecotourism through world-class development landmarks in every town – Davao Oriental being endowed with natural, historical and cultural heritage. Under Governor Malanyaon’s leadership,

Malanyaon is Golden Globe Outstanding Filipino Achiever

OUTSTANDING. Governor Corazon Malanyaon was joined by other national personalities to include Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Senator Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos (representd by his mother Imelda Marcos), Senator Cynthia Villar, Public Attorney’s Office Chief Persida V. Rueda-Acosta, and Congressman Karlo Alexei B. Nograles, among others in the roster of public service awardees.

abf@edgedavao.net

AVAO Oriental Governor Corazon T. Nuñez-Malanyaon is among this year’s 29 Outstanding Filipino Achievers -- consisting of distinguished men and women, who have received the Medal of Distinction for Outstanding and Significant Achievements in the field of public service. Ceremonies for the prestigious awards was held in Manila Hotel on Sunday, March 13 during the Golden Globe Annual Awards for Business Excellence and Filipino Achiever 2016. A joint undertaking of the

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EDGEDAVAO

NEWS 3

Tagum Coop heads towards Golden Year S

TARTED as small churchbased organization, Tagum Cooperative is heading towards its Golden Year on October 13, 2017. With flashes of lights, variety of hues and with artistic dance presentation, Tagum Cooperative launched its 50th Anniversary during the 49th Annual General Assembly held at Pedro B. San Jose Gym, University of Mindanao, Tagum City on March 13. In leading the launching ceremony, Tagum Cooperative Chairperson of the Board of

Directors (BOD), Norma R. Pereyras recalled that the Cooperative started with “a simple dream and a thoughtful goal to help the people of (the) once small town of Magugpo in their financial needs”. She revealed that Tagum Cooperative was once just a small church-based organization known as “Holy Name Society of Tagum Parish” with 38 founding members pooling P80.00 share capital. “Tagum Coop has now grown into over P3 billion in assets with more than 120,000

members and users spread across Davao Region and Agusan del Sur,” she said. She also recalled the rough journey of the Cooperative but with hard-work and dedication of the co-operators, Tagum Cooperative now becomes “one of the most promising, multi-awarded and multi-billionaire cooperatives in the country and in the world”. After the video presentation about the 50-year journey of Tagum Cooperative, the

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Tagum Cooperative officers led by Chairperson Norma R Pereyras along with the guests and members tossed wine for the 50th Anniversary launching

Low water pressure to no water in city

ON WATCH. Police trainees stand guard at Rizal Park where various activities for the 79th Araw ng Davao is being held yesterday. Authorities heightened the city’s security measures to ensure the safety of the public during the celebration. Lean Daval Jr.

AVAO City Water District advises customers served by Dumoy, Toril and Lubogan water supply systems (WSS) of low water pressure to no water on different schedules. Schedule for areas served by Dumoy WSS is from 11:00 PM of March 20 until 1:00 AM of March 21 and from 11:00 PM of March 21 until 1:00 AM of March 22. Specific affected areas are: entire Talomo, Ulas, Bangkal, Matina, Matina Aplaya, Ecoland, Ma-a, Langub, Downtown, Bo. Obrero, Agdao, Madapo, Marfori, San Rafael, Circumferential Road, Bacaca and immediate environs, Bajada, Lanang and Bo. Pampanga and some areas in Bago Aplaya (Gulfview Exec-

utive Homes, Versari Village and Sto. Niño Village), Sasa until Km. 12, Buhangin (from J.P Laurel Avenue to Panorama Homes, from Crossing Milan to Holy Trinity and from Ma-a Bridge to DPWH Panacan) and Panacan areas with Dumoy WSS connections (ICSAMA, SAPAHA, Landmark 1, DPWH Depot and Philippine Naval Forces). Affected from 11:00 PM of March 20 until 12:01 AM of March 21 and from 11:00 PM of March 21 until 12:01 AM of March 22 are areas served by Toril WSS: Purok Pagkaka-isa, Toril Executive Village, Manggahan, Crossing Bayabas, Ilocano Village, Davao Housing Subd., B.B Homes Subd., Bangoy Compound, St. Jude,

Santa Clara Village, Prudential Village, St. Michael Village, San Roque Village, Duha Village, Rovical Village, Nakada Village, Doña Manuela Subd., Doña Rosa Subd., Gutierez Village, APLA Village, Inland Subd., Dacudao Tambakan, Generation of Landless Born Again Subd., Kalambuan sa Katawhan Homeowners Assn., Don Lorenzo Subd., Upper Piedad and Marapangi Resettlement Area and Lubogan WSS: Puroks 3, 6 and 7 in Bankas Heights, Green Praire Subd., Batulosa Village, Kristina Homes, Upper Lubogan, Toril Country Homes, DLF Village, Don Lorenzo Subd., Farland Subd., Dacoville Subd., Sison Village, Villa Josefina, Purok 1 Baliok Road, Susana

FLOW, 19

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8 ECONOMY BIR to probe taxpayers with questionable assets EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 10 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 2016

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

crc@edgedavao.net

HE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Davao will look into tax returns of “high net worth individuals” described as those with questionable high-valued assets. “We will start on the files we have like tax return. We’re targeting to have a result as early as June this year,” BIRDavao assistant regional director Gerry O. Dumayas told reporters during Monday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City

Davao Annex. Dumayas said the program is aimed at tracking taxpayers who bought highend vehicles and properties but declared lower income tax return. It will also allow the bureau to ensure that taxpayers are paying correct tax dues. Dumayas recalled that a similar program was implemented for a limited period but covered only politicians with questionable assets. He

GO HOTELS. Go Hotels marketing manager Adrian Ong (left, standing) and Summit Hotels and Resorts senior marketing manager Lisette Arena (right, standing) interact with members of local media during a press briefing at

said that the bureau was able to discover irregularities and identify alleged tax evaders. Taxpayers with questionable high utility bills will also be covered in the investigation. “These taxpayers will be asked how they were able to acquire or pay for these properties or utility bills when they only declared small income tax rate,” he said. Dumayas said politicians with questionable assets will

be investigated in a bid to promote transparency among public officials. Apart from promoting transparency, the program will also help the bureau achieve its P20 billion tax collection target this year, which is higher than its P13 billion collection target last year. BIR will also be intensifying other programs such as the Run After Tax Evader (RATE), Oplan Kandado, and taxpayer verification.

Hapi at Kape yesterday where they gave the overview of the hotels. They also announced the upcoming opening of Go Hotels Lanang later this year. Lean Daval Jr.

The Oplan Kandado program of the BIR has seen to the closure of six establishments in the city because of Recently, the BIR here locked down a total of six establishments in the city because of their noncompliance to the tax code, under declaration of sales, and failure to issue official receipts and invoices, among others. The BIR is also urging the more than 100,000 tax payers to file their tax returns early.

“For this year’s strategy, we encourage early filing of tax returns. Do not wait for the April 15 deadline. If possible file or pay before March 30,” Dumayas said. Taxpayers can avoid 25 percent surcharge and interest in penalties, as well as the other nuances of late filing if they opt to file earlier than the deadline set. The early filing started on March 2 and will end on April 15.

N a move to serve more micro, small and medium enterprises and consumers in Davao Region, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will hold its first-ever One DTI Services Week on April 22 to 25 in various venues. “We will be bringing down at least 10 services regularly offered by the DTI and other Manila-based attached agencies like the Small Business Corporation (SBC) and Design Center of the Philippines,” Marilou D. Laguting, designated chief of staff of DTI 11 regional director Maria Belenda Q. Ambi, told reporters in yesterday’s Davao

Business Forum at Dermpath in SM City Davao. Laguting said the more than 500 expected participants will be able to avail of free services like business consultancy and access to micro-financing from DTI. They will be assisted by Manila-based attached agencies of the department. While the business name registration will be available in the five-day event, it won’t be free. Laguting said the five-day activity will provide participants services and trainings on product development, packaging, product labeling,

DTI to render services in April I

BSP exec awaits result of hearing on $81-M money laundering

NGCP tower in Lanao restored A T

HREE months after its bombing, Tower 25 of the National Grid Corporation of Philippines (NGCP) in Ramain, Lanao del Norte is finally restored providing Mindanao some 80 megawatts of power supply from its Agus 1 and 2 plants. The restoration of the Tower 25 commenced last March 5 when the members of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Securing Energy Facilities (IATFSEF) successfully entered the area. The Department of Energy said in a press statement that members of the task force started the restoration work “24 hours after the court ruling from the Regional Trial Court of Lanao del Sur was served to the Sambitory family (the defendants), directing them to allow access in their claimed property for

the rehabilitation to proceed smoothly.” Tower 25 rendering the Agus 2-Kibawe 138kV line remained non-operational for almost three months due to the refusal of claimants to cooperate with representatives of the NGCP. NGCP corporate communications officer for Mindanao Milfrance Q. Capulong said earlier the Sambitory family, the claimant, refused entry to NGCP to repair the damaged tower because of alleged unpaid dues. This led to the isolation of the Agus 1 and Agus 2 from the Mindanao Grid causing the power situation in the island to worsen. Now successfully restored, the Agus 1 and 2 with a combined installed capacity of 260 MW can be back online to the Mindanao grid. However, due to degradation

and El Niño, the two hydro power plants can only deliver less than 100MW. “With the cooperation from all stakeholders to restore Tower No. 25, Mindanaoans have again enjoyed about 80 megawatts of cheaper and cleaner power supply from the Agus plants. This will substantially result in reduction of rotating brownouts in the affected areas,” Energy Secretary Zenaida Y. Monsada said a statement. The NGCP reported in its website that the Mindanao grid has a system reserve of 66MW as of 1:00 p.m. yesterday. Moreover, the IATFSEF also “calls on further public support following the execution of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Resolution No. 10067 dep-

utizing member agencies to implement clearing of trees, infrastructures and any obstructions beneath the transmission facilities to ensure reliable power during the national and local elections in May.” “The desire to sustain the reliability of the transmission grid does not end at restoring the toppled transmission tower, but more on stimulating the continued support of the people on the programs relative to the maintenance of integrity and reliability of all energy assets, which are vital “public assets” benefitting everyone,” Monsada said. Monsada also urged all electricity consumers to observe energy efficiency and conservation measures in their day-to-day activities. CHENEEN R. CAPON

Payment and customer services in the full service centers at SM Lanang Premier and at SM City Davao in Ecoland will be open from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Ponciano office’s full service center will be available from 7:00 AM to

5:00 PM Toril and Calinan payment offices will be open from 8:00 AM to 12:00 noon and from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM. Meanwhile, the company’s Panabo branch and the accredited collection office in

Sto. Tomas, both in Davao del Norte, will have their normal operations as these are not covered by the holiday proclamation. Emergency service will remain available 24 hours through 229-DLPC (3572).

Davao Light customer services open on March 16, 17

avao Light and Power Company’s frontline customer services will be available for the public on March 16 and 17, special non-working holidays in celebration of the 79th Araw ng Davao.

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N official of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) declined to comment on the alleged money laundering activities involving some $81 million coursed through a universal bank citing that this would be discussed further during a Senate hearing Tuesday. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Deputy Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. declined to comment on the issue after noting that the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) is now conducting an investigation on the case. He said the central bank has issued Circular 706 in line with the Anti-Money Laundering Law and this Circular enumerates the expectations of the central bank with respect to banks and other BSP-supervised expectations. These expectations include banks’ compliance with the know-your-customer (KYC) rule or customer due diligence, ongoing monitoring of transactions, reporting process and internal controls that need to be managed. “But every bank has to establish its own internal policy on how it would implement these general expectations,” he added. Meanwhile, the lawyer of Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) President and CEO Lorenzo Tan on Monday said the bank’s

Jupiter, Makati branch manager had admitted to opening an account for businessman William Go. In a statement, lawyer Francis Lim said RCBC Jupiter Branch manager Maia Deguito had admitted in a television interview Monday, March 14, that she opened a dollar account for businessman William Go, without his consent, but upon orders from one Kim Wong. He said this was a clear violation of banking rules, which she should clearly explain when she attends a Senate hearing on this Tuesday. “This is a major break in the case and could prove devastating for Ms. Deguito because nobody can legally open an account for somebody else. Perhaps realizing she made a huge mistake, she is now saying the specimen signature of Mr. Go was not forged,” Lim said. Earlier, Go, through his lawyer, Ramon Esguerra, denied opening the dollar accounts and claimed that his signature was forged. Go’s camp is even mulling to file charges against Dequito, saying that the bank manager even offered him Php 10 million to own the account. During the interview, Dequito denied the allegations thrown against her and instead claimed that it was the businessman who asked money from her. (PNA)

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The Story of Pastor Quiboloy, now in a book M

NEW BOOK. Pastor Apollo Quiboloy (left) and his life story book (right).

EVENT

City Government Employees Day Hataw Sayaw Dance Competition Photos by LEAN DAVAL JR.

Champion - City Transport and Traffic Management Office

EET the Executive Pastor of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy as he signs the latest storybook of his life, APOLLO, THE SERPENT SLAYER in the Media Night of the 11th National Children’s Day on April 23, 2013, Saturday at the Jose Maria College, Davao City. APOLLO, THE SERPENT SLAYER book aims to help children understand the calling of Pastor Quiboloy. Etched with illustrations, the book recalls the story in the Garden of Eden, explains the significance of Cross in Calvary, and

Harley-Davidson, TATA Xenon Premium pickup at the 8th Phoenix Open Golf

HARLEY-DAVIDSON Sportster Iron 183, a Tata Xenon Premium 4x4 pick-up, one hundred thousand pesos worth of Phoenix Petroleum fuel cards, and fifty thousand pesos worth of Phoenix Accelerate lubricants await any hole-in-one winner in the 8th Phoenix Open Golf Tournament to this Saturday, March 19, 2016 at the Rancho Palos Verdes Golf and Country Club, Davao City. The 8th Phoenix Open is an 18 hole stableford team, partner and individual competition open to all amateur male and female

player 24 years old and above. All players shall automatically vie in the individual category and have the option to Compete in the team and partner categories. Tournament winners shall each receive a Royal Selangor pewter plate as trophies together with Phoenix Petroleum fuel cards. On top of that, all champions of the different categories shall take home a limited edition Phoenix travel trolley. Registration for the Phoenix Open is still on ongoing at Rancho Palos Verdes Golf and Country Club and the Phoenix Petro-

leum Depot at Coaco Road, Sasa, Davao City. Online registration is also available at pnxgolf.webege.com. Entry fee is P5,000 per player to qualify in the team, partner, and individual categories. A pilot travel case, a Rudy Project dri-fit golf shirt and a golf cap, golf umbrella and more will be given to each registered player. Players are also entitled to one practice round on any day between March 15 to 17, 2016 at Rancho Palos Verdes Golf and Country Club upon presentation of the tournament receipt at the club’s front office.

NEW batch of innovative and sustainable green initiatives will be recognized this week as the city celebrates its 73rd Charter Day anniversary. Some twenty-one (21) local initiatives have been short-listed for the categories in Organic Agriculture, Education and Advocacy, Marine Conservation, Energy/ Water Conservation, Forest-based Initiatives and Green Architecture. Lunhaw organizers have noted an increase of entries coming from the business sector this year. “There is a lot of interest from local business establishments in having their green initiatives recognized. “, said Lunhaw Awards co-organizer and IDIS executive director Ann Fuertes. “Their response to the Green Architecture category has been positive and

we hope that this signals a new mind-set that in a greener Davao City, environmental sustainability makes good business sense.”, she said. In previous years, the Lunhaw Awards has recognized ,mall establishments like SM Ecoland for their initiative in recycling waste water for the mall’s non-potable use. An exhibit showcasing this year’s nominees will be opened on March 17, 2016, 2:00 pm- 5:00 pm at the Matina Town Square. This will be open to the public. Later, in the evening, the awarding ceremonies will be held at the Taboan from 7:00 pm -9:00 pm. This year’s winners will receive the Kublai Milan-designed Lunhaw Trophy, along with a cash prize and assorted goodies. A posthumous recognition will also be given by

the Lunhaw Awards organizers to former Councilor Leo Avila III to honor his legislative contributions to bring about a Greener Davao. The awards ceremony will then be capped by the MusiKalikasan concert with Datu Bago Awardee Joey Ayala and homegrown musical artists Maan Chua and Popong Landero. Begun in 2012, the Lunhaw Awards seeks to recognize green initiatives by Dabawenyos that are innovative, sustainable and which nurture the environment. The Lunhaw Awards is co-organized by the City Agriculturist’s Office (CAO), City Environment and Natural Resources (CENRO), Davao Association of Catholic Schools (DACS), Davao City Water District (DCWD), and the Interface Development Interventions (IDIS).

4 Lunhaw Awardees to be feted this March 17 A th

Second place - City Engineers Office

City Social Services and Development Office

City Economic Enterprise

now, the relevance of Pastor Quiboloy’s training as he was isolated in mountain for years. The attendees of Pastor Quiboloy’s launch event for APOLLO, THE SERPENT SLAYER will receive a book signed, and a doll of the book’s main character, specially manufactured to promote the new book. For more information on this event, or to know more about the schedule of upcoming events, you may visit the official National Children’s Day Facebook page at https:// www.facebook.com/SonshineLand.

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12 VANTAGE

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EDITORIAL Out ‘No-El’, in ‘Po-El’

OTHING indeed is more exciting than Philippine elections. During this period, many words are spoken, and many words are coined. We have heard of the ‘No El’ in the past, which stands for “no elections” – a feared scenario floated in the past elections although it remained that way, a fear. This time, there’s a new election-born term and perhaps a next-of-kin of “no-el.” Call it “Po-El.” This term was born out of the recent “disruption” in the preparations for the May 9 polls brought about by the Supreme Court (SC) decision ordering them to print voter receipts on Election Day, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said that while the “No-El” (no elections) scenario is unlikely, the “Po-El” (postponement of elections) is among its options. Comelec Chairman Juan Andres Bautista explained that the postponement of the elections is part of their options and the no elections scenario is not among those they are considering. The Comelec raised the possibilities of postponing the

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AGAPITO JOAQUIN JR. Associate Editor

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PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

KENNETH IRVING K. ONG ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. BAI FAUZIAH FATIMA SINSUAT AMBOLODTO CHENEEN R. CAPON MEGHANN STA. INES Reporters NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN FUNNY PEARL GAJUNERA Lifestyle LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. CHA MONFORTE ARLENE D. PASAJE Photography Correspondents Cartoons Columnists: MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEÑA • ZHAUN ORTEGA • BERNADETTE “ADDIE” B. Columnists: • HENRYLITO D. TACIO • EDCER C.B. ESCUDERO • ATTY. EMILY ZEN CHUA • GREGORIO G. DELIGERO JOHN CARLO TRIA • BORBONCARLOS • MARYMUNDA ANN “ADI” C. QUISIDO • LEANDRO DAVAL SR., • NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN • NICASIO ANGELO•AGUSTIN • EMILY VIDA S. VALVERDE C. LUMBA • HENRY J. SCHUMACHER • VANESSA KATE MADRAZO• JONALLIER Economic Analysts: ENRICO “GICO” G. DAYANGIRANG ZENMIA CHUA • CARLOS• FRED MUNDA Economic Analyst: ENRICO “GICO” G. DAYANGIRANG M. PEREZ

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OLIVIA D. VELASCO D.D. MARATAS RICHARD C. EBONA OLIVIA D. VELASCO JOCELYN S. PANES SOLANI SOLANI MARATAS General Manager Finance Advertising Specialist General Manager Director of Sales Finance RICHARD C. EBONA Marketing Supervisor

elections possibly on June 9 or going back to manual polls. In case of a “Po-El,” the poll body admitted it may need several weeks to declare the winners and able to assume their posts by June 30 as mandated by law. The two scenarios are being considered since the elections is three months away, as they need to redo their preparations. Bautista said that either manual elections or delaying the elections will need specific laws before they can be executed. The Comelec was obviously caught off guard when the Supreme Court ordered last week to issue vote receipts to voters, disrupting their preparations and timelines. Will the ‘po-el’ scenario be the right solution to the 2016 elections is something the Comelec cannot just make indecisive decisions now, what with the spate of controversial twists in this year’s polls including the reversal of its ruling by the High Tribunal on the disqualification of Sen. Grace Poe. Oh well, kidding aside even the ‘po-el’ sounds intriguing as it tantalizingly twits with auditory resemblance to a candidate’s name giving the latter unintentional undue advantage.

AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Circulation

GENERAL SANTOS CITY OFFICE CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING MARKETING OFFICE

LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager EDMUND D. RENDON Unit 6, SouthbankMarketing Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts. Specialist General Santos City Cagayan de Oro City Mobile: (Smart) 0909-424-7990 Tel: (088) 852-4894

MANILA MARKETING OFFICE

ANGELICA R. GARCIA | Marketing Manager 97-1 Bayanbayanan Ave., Marikina Heights, Marikina City Tel: (02) 654-3509

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EAUTIFUL flowers, particularly the waling-waling, bloom in Davao City. It is not only the ornamental flowers that bloom yearlong but also that of the fruit trees — durian, mangosteen, pomelo, mango, papaya, guava, lanzones, rambutan, coffee, cacao, and banana. Today Davao City turns 79. It has been almost eight decades since Davao became a city. From a sleepy city, it has now turned into a bustling metropolis. From Asia’s “murder capital” it is now one of the safest city in the world. Today, Davao City not just blooms — it also booms. An example of it booming is its population. Based on the 2015 census done by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Davao City’s population has grown to 1.9 million, 300,000 more than its 2010 head count. Maria Leah Magracia, PSA senior statistical analyst, foresees that the city’s population may swell to 2 million as more people from nearby provinces and other parts of the country migrate to city. Davao City, which serves are the region’s center, continues to attract migrants. Government regional offices, big businesses, and industries make Davao as a bustling hub. Even with the changes in the city’s landscape and buzz, it is still considered as one of the best places to retire.

ith the passing of the great Filipino statesman Jovito Salonga many a political fortune of those in the post – EDSA generation will have come full circle. Salonga, widely regarded as the presidential candidate that united many progressive forces in the wake of the EDSA revolution, embodied the spirit of men and women who survived the worst of dictatorship and, along with the magnificent 12, mustered the political will to say no to the renewed treaty to extend the stay of United States military in Clark, Subic and other installations. This rejection of the proposed treaty was seen as his crowning achievement as Senate President. Sadly, this preceded his removal as Senate President, weakening his political strength in time for the 1992 elections. His second to the

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VANTAGE POINTS 13

Davao City turns 79 Zipporah THINK ON THESE! Antonio, who works as a content writer of Housing Interactive, Inc., wrote about Davao as a place where “mod- Henrylito D. Tacio ern meets henrytacio@gmail.com the old.” “Indeed, this dynamic province is a perfect marriage of traditional culture and cosmopolitan living. It may have the usual hustle and bustle of city life, but it is able to retain that ‘small town’ feel. Signs of Davao’s progress and success are seen through the rise of developments throughout the area. This is mainly to accommodate the burgeoning number of expat and local communities,” he said. “Its rich history, picturesque landscapes, breathtaking islands, exciting water-related activities, and remarkable tourist destinations are few of the main reasons that make the province an interesting place for retirement. Likewise, the cost of living is definitely more affordable than Metro Manila and Cebu,” he further added. In 2006, Davao City hosted the tourism forum of the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Na-

tions. “Davao is slow compared to Hong Kong, Bangkok, Manila, and Cebu,” wrote Ernie Abella, editor of Madayaw, a magazine that was released in conjunction with the event. “But you can get from sea to mountain by the time you finish the juice of a fresh coconut.” There are several reasons why Davao is considered as one of the top tourist destinations in the country. The visitors of the website toptens. com gave some reasons on why the city is such a good place to visit. “With its unique emergency response system, you can call 911 in whatever situation you are in. The city is known for its tight security and strict implementation of the law,” wrote one visitor. “It is also known to be the ‘fruit basket of the Philippines;’ from the exotic durian and mangosteen to one of the most exported product of the Philippines, banana, you will find all of them here.” Another commented that “Davao City is one of the most livable cities in Asia. It has a very low percentage of crime. It is not only typhoon-free but so far has not been visited by a huge typhoon or any great disaster. Davao City also has very delicious and very cold clean water.” Along with its progress, Davao City also has to address several issues that come with growth.

One issue that needs to be addressed is the sea-level rise, a direct result of climate change, which may cause destruction in the city. The Business Risk Assessment and the Management of Climate Change Impacts, published by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), said the most likely to be affected by the rise in sea level are the city’s seaports. “Located along the relatively shallow channel between the city and Samal Island, these port facilities are a nerve center for Davao City’s economy, and serve a variety of ships handling both cargo and passengers,” the risk assessment said. Another problem the city needs to address is water. “Davao has traditionally tapped surface water from its rivers as its main water source,” the WWF/BPI report said. “It prides itself in the relatively high quality of its drinking water. However, salt intrusion has already been reported in city districts to shore, especially in portions of the city where groundwater extraction continues. Sea-level rise may aggravate this situation.” Despite all these problems, Davao City has gone a long, long way. And who knows, its current mayor may soon become the country’s highest official.

last showing MY TWO CENTS’ in the field of 8 candidates, falling behind Imelda Marcos only showed that the broad left and nationalist alliance John Tria that carried ecisouth@gmail.com him was not a force that could win Malacanang. He never returned to politics, preferring instead to focus on certain advocacies as the head of KilosBayan. None of his children entered politics as well. 1992 will go down as the year when the first test of the post-EDSA political generation, the first elections when its main actors would be vetted,

and served as a proving ground to see whether the institutions forged under the new 1987 Constitution would bring about the aspired change. Cory magic was on its wane, and the reality of Showbiz politics represented by the electoral victory of entertainers led by vice President Joseph Estrada became real. 1992 was therefore the year Philippine politics changed and took a turn towards where we are today. Those elections broke the dichotomy that heretofore was the culture of Philippine electoral politics. The dualism of the battles between the Nacionalista and Liberal parties in the pre-Marcos era, gave way to the dichotomy of pro and anti-Marcos in the 1980s. 1992 unleashed the freedom to junk your party and candidate in favor

of the stronger adversary. All of a sudden, Senatorial candidates of a particular slate were seen campaigning as guests of the other slate, and so on. It has gotten worse since then, with local party affiliates junking their national candidates for president, or Vice President, or both, and switching to the apparent winners just a few weeks prior to elections. Political loyalties have fallen prey to naked opportunism. What about platforms and programs? They have taken a seat further back. Twenty five years since 1992, this crass behavior manifests itself in Malacanang’s likely switch from Mar Roxas to Grace Poe, and who knows, maybe Jejomar Binay or Rodrigo Duterte. It all depends on the surveys and how various bloc voting groups behave as the last days of the campaign wind up.

It’s not 1992

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EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENT Serving a seamless society

EDGEDAVAO GENSAN PARTNERS Serving a seamless society

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ARAW NG DAVAO SPECIAL 15

79TH Founding Anniversary special In 8 decades (1936-2016)

21 gentlemen and one lady served as Davao city mayors BY ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA

INCE Davao became a city in 1936, a total of 22 local chief executives have come and gone, leaving the city with different legacies. During the Commonwealth era, four city mayors, related either by birth or appointment to Zamboanga City, managed the affairs of the city. When war broke out, the Japanese Imperial Army turned to prominent city figures for help in administratively running the city’s affairs, and Davao region, as a whole. The new colonists wanted to tell local residents that the Japanese were committed and trustful in the capability of Filipinos to run the local government even under foreign control. However, the brutality that surfaced days after the invaders bombed the city was not lost on the local population. Many able-bodied men were rounded up and executed, while public officials, who made life difficult for the Japanese before the war, were hunted, tortured, and killed. One of the local figures tapped to take over the post of city mayor was lawyer Antonio Habana II, whose father was former governor of Capiz (1915-1919) and assemblyman of Capiz (1922-1939). He turned down the offer and, along with his family, left Davao to escape persecution from the Japanese forces. On the other hand, Alfonso G. Oboza, Sr., a former city engineer, was the first wartime city mayor, one of three that served under the Japanese regime. After the war, nine other luminaries, both appointed and elected, served as Liberation mayors. When the Martial Law declared by the Marcos administration

The brutality that surfaced days after the invaders bombed the city was not lost on the local population. Many able-bodied men were rounded up and executed, while public officials, who made life difficult for the Japanese before the war, were hunted, tortured, and killed. collapsed in 1986, six individuals served as city mayors, either as officer-in-charge, in acting capacity, or as elected official. Commonwealth Mayors (1936-41)

Nicasio S. Valderrosa (Nov. 20–Dec. 5, 1936) A native of Bacolod, Negros Occidental, Nicasio S. Valderrosa, together with Santiago Artiaga, a former acting city mayor of Manila who was installed as mayor of Zamboanga City, was appointed by President Manuel L. Quezon on Nov. 20, 1936, as the first city mayor of Davao. As fate would have it, the President swapped their appointments on Dec. 5, 1936, after the residents of Zamboanga City clamored for his installation instead. This historical twist, which ended with Artiaga being sworn in during the inauguration rites held in March 1937, made Valderrosa de facto mayor of Davao City. As public servant, he became acting governor of Zamboanga Province, mayor of Baguio City, and first Basilan provincial governor.

Santiago Artiaga (Dec. 3, 1936 – Oct. 12, 1939) Formerly acting mayor of Manila, Santiago Artiaga was Zamboanga City mayor before his appointment was recalled; as a result, he became Davao

City’s second local chief executive. He was one of the early government scholars, the pensionados, sent to the US to pursue studies, finishing Civil Engineering at the University of Michigan. Decades later, he was appointed city engineer of Manila and also became a dean of the University of Santo Tomas. He was charged with bribery as acting mayor but was exonerated of the suit in 1931. On Oct. 13, 1939, Malacanang announced his appointment as the new governor of Bukidnon, replacing Agustin L. Alvarez who would take over his Davao posting.

Agustin L. Alvarez (Oct. 13, 1939 – Sept. 30, 1940) A native of Zamboanga, Agustin L. Alvarez, a lawyer, was then regarded as a rising political star. When the Department of Mindanao and Sulu was created in 1914, he was appointed governor of Zamboanga but left for the US to study government administration. In 1922, upon his return, he reclaimed the governorship, and in 1928 won as second civil governor of Zamboanga. In 1931, he was appointed senator of the 9th Philippine Legislature, representing the first district of Zamboanga, while during the Commonwealth, he assumed as Sulu governor. On Oct. 13, 1939, given his numerous credentials, he was appointed mayor of Davao City, serv-

ing the post until September 1940. A month later, he was installed governor of Lanao province.

Pantaleon A. Pelayo, Sr. (Oct. 1, 1940 – Jan. 2, 1942; May-December 1945) Born on Aug. 31, 1901 in Zamboanga City, Pantaleon A. Pelayo Sr. earned his Law degree from the Philippine Law School in Manila in 1925. A year later he migrated to Davao where he set up a law office. In 1935, in his first political try, he ran as delegate to the 1935 Constitutional Convention and won. In September 1940, during a Davao visit, President Manuel L. Quezon surprisingly appointed him as Davao’s city mayor. When war broke out, he joined the underground and installed himself as governor of ‘Free Davao.’ After the conflict, he reclaimed his position as city mayor but later returned to his birthplace to become mayor of Zamboanga City; he resigned in 1946. On Jan. 13, 1953, he rejoined public office as undersecretary of Labor. He also helped draft the bill reorganizing the Court of Industrial Relations. Japanese-Era Mayors (1942-45)

Alfonso G. Oboza, Sr. (Jan. 3, 1942–1943) Born on Feb. 7, 1899 in Bani, Pangasinan, Alfonso G. Oboza, Sr. finished Civil Engineering at Cornell University in New York, in 1922. Fresh from finishing his studies, he joined the NY State Bureau of Highways as assistant engineer until 1925. On his return to the country, he joined public service as assistant engineer (Leyte), district en-

gineer (Davao Province), city engineer (Davao City), and city and district engineer, in concurrent capacity, of Zamboanga. He was appointed Davao City mayor on Jan. 3, 1942 by the Gunsei Kambu, the Japanese military administration, and represented the city in the National Assembly under Japanese rule. After the war, he retired from public service, went into contracting, became a coconut planter, and became active in socio-civic activities. He died on Nov. 3, 1992 at age 93.

Juan Melencio A. Sarenas (1943-44) Born in Cabanatuan City, on March 5, 1891, Juan A. Sarenas studied at UP where he finished Law. In 1916, with his wife in tow (she accepted an offer to become principal of Kapitan Tomas Monteverde Elem. School), he migrated to Davao where he permanently settled and later installed as deputy governor. In his first political foray, he won as Davao governor but lost in the 1934 elections to Gov. Sebastian T. Generoso. In 1938, he landed third place in the National Assembly elections. Under Japanese rule, he was appointed city mayor and represented the city in the National Assembly. In 1954, he became judge of CFI Cotabato. His eldest son, Rodolfo, became Davao City mayor in 1953, while Celso, another son, became town mayor of Pantukan, Compostela Valley Province. He died on Oct. 4, 1989 at age 98. Donato C. Endriga (194445) His first foray in politics was in 1935 when he ran for

Davao City mayors (1936-2016), left to right: Nicasio Valderrosa, Santiago Artiaga, Pantaleon Pelayo Sr., Agustin Alvarez, Alfonso G. Oboza Sr., and Juan A. Sarenas

delegate in the 1935 Constitutional Convention; he failed, though. He was elected as city councilor twice but his second term was not completed. On April 15, 1940, President Manuel L. Quezon dismissed him from the service after being found “guilty of serious misconduct which renders him unfit to hold any public office.” The dismissal stemmed from the case filed by the city attorney for his alleged engagement in prostitution, tolerating illegal gambling, and receiving bribe from a Chinese gambling society. When war broke out, he was accused as an informer of the Davao Kempeitai, which eventually took root after the local Japanese administration installed him as city mayor in 1944. Liberation Era Mayors (1946-1986)

Apolinario C. Cabigon (January-February 1946) A post-war lawmaker, Apolinario C. Cabigon is credited for commencing the initiative to create Digos, then a barrio of the municipality of Sta. Cruz, into a town. This was realized when President Elpidio Quirino issued Executive Order 236 on July 19, 1949, placing the villages of Tres de Mayo, Goma, Bansalan, Matanao, Darapuay, and Poblacion under the new town with Benito Rabor as first mayor. He briefly served as acting city mayor for two months, the shortest in local history. As a congressman, he served in the 2nd Congress of the Commonwealth (May 25-July 3, 1946) and earned a full term in the 1st Congress of the Second Republic (July 5, 1946-Dec. 13, 1949). Fundador R. Villafuerte (Feb. 18, 1946-1947) The son of Cipriano Sr., Fundador R. Villafuerte took oath as a lawyer on Dec. 13, 1937. Four years later, in the 1941 elections, he was elected city councilor. His term, though, was cut short with the coming of World War II. After the conflict, he returned to his

F 21 GENTLEMEN, 16

Donato C. Endriga, Apolinario C. Cabigon, Fundador R. Villafuerte, Leon Ma. A. Garcia Sr., Bernardo Teves, and Rodolfo B. Sarenas

16 ARAW NG DAVAO SPECIAL

21 Gentlemen... FROM 15 elected position but not too long thereafter second Commonwealth President Sergio Osmeña appointed him acting city mayor of Davao on Feb. 18, 1946, serving the post until 1947, shortly before the first post-war elections were held. He returned to private law practice where he distinguished himself. Leon Ma. A. Garcia, Sr. (1947-49) Born in 1898 in Tanauan, Batangas, Leon Ma. Garcia finished law at the Philippine Law School in Manila as a working student. After passing the Bar, he migrated to Davao in 1926 to work in his cousin’s law office. After marrying a scion of the Monteverde clan, he entered politics in 1928 as a municipal council bet but his candidacy, which was a bust, nearly ended in tragedy because he figured in a stabbing incident where he was seriously wounded. Eighteen years after the incident, President Manuel A. Roxas appointed him Davao City mayor in 1946, serving the position for three years.

Bernardo B. Teves (19491953) A native of Cebu, Bernardo B. Teves finished Liberal Arts at the University of the Philippines; he later passed the Bar. He was appointed provincial fiscal and city attorney ex-oficio of Davao City, and figured in the celebrated Ang Liongto murder case as prosecutor. In 1949, he was appointed as city mayor by President Manuel A. Roxas and efficiently held the position for five years. After his stint as city chief executive, he became provincial fiscal of Cebu and later, in June 1971, was appointed as concurrent presiding CFI judge of the province of Misamis Oriental and Cagayan de Oro City.

Rodolfo B. Sarenas (19531954) The lawyer-son of former Gov. Juan A. Sarenas, Rodolfo B. Sarenas graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Ateneo de Manila in 1934; he proceeded to take up Law and passed the Bar. After the war, just as the city was starting to rebuild its tattered landscape, his brother, Raul, an engineer, was offered the position of city mayor but declined; instead, he recommended his younger brother to the position. On May 27, 1952, Rodolfo was sworn in as the sixth post-war appointed mayor of Davao City. After his stint in government, he went

on to become Vice-President for Sports of Rizal Memorial Colleges, serving it until his retirement.

Julian A. Rodriguez Sr. (1954-1955), Born on Jan. 9, 1891 in Montalban, Rizal., Julian A. Rodriguez Sr., younger brother of former Senate President Eulogio Rodriguez, was the city’s last appointed mayor. After earning his credential as a lawyer, he accepted the offer to join the Mindanao and Sulu Commission as technical assistant. Attracted by the prospects the new job presented, he migrated to Davao in 1919, where he settled permanently and acquired lands. Four years later, he was appointed justice of the peace. He was also the last representative of Davao to the pre-war 10th Philippine Legislature. His leadership and good-natured persona led to his appointment as city mayor in 1954, at age 63. Carmelo L. Porras (195665) A city engineer by profession before deciding to join politics, Carmelo L. Porras defied the odds by becoming the first elected city mayor, serving the position for 12 uninterrupted years (19561965) and three terms. In his electoral wins, he defeated Fermin Abella and Gaudioso M. Tiongco in 1955, Tiongco and Ramon S. Morada in 1959, and Manuel ‘Noli’ Sotto and Abella in 1963. Given his engineering background, he made the improvement of city roads his flagship project, and worked on public works that would define the landscape of the city. He sought a fourth term in 1965 but Elias B. Lopez, who was No. 1 city councilor in 1955 and 1959 and later vice-mayor in 1963, trounced him. He retired from public service thereafter.

Elias B. Lopez (1966-70; 1981-86) The only full-blooded Bagobo mayor of Davao City, Elias B. Lopez, a lawyer, was former president of the UP Student Council, said to the first one to have come from Mindanao, and was voted “Most Outstanding UP Student Leader of the Year” in 1955. His first foray into politics was in 1955, winning the top slot in the City Council; he duplicated the feat four years later. In 1963, he ran for vice-mayor and elected. Optimistic of his winning streak, he challenged the incumbent mayor in 1967 and triumphed. He sought reelection in 1971 but was

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Julian Rodriguez, Sr., Carmelo L. Porras, Elias B. Lopez, Luis T. Santos, Zafiro L. Respicio, and Jacinto T. Rubillar Jr. upset by Luis T. Santos, a former chief of police. A decade later he returned to trounce his tormentor. During the post-Marcos period, he was elected thrice as congressman of the city’s third district but he failed to finish his last tenure. He died in 1997. He is the father of the Datu Bago Awards, which he instituted in 1969. He built the Ramon Magsaysay Park, started the Araw ng Davao celebration, established the Mutya ng Davao yearly pageant and ordered the creation of the “Tayo’y Dabawenyo” anthem, all envisioned to created a distinct Dabawenyo identity.

Luis T. Santos (1971-1975; 1976-81) A wartime guerrilla leader in Nueva Ecija, Luis T. Santos moved to Davao as a trader engaged in scrap iron. With his wife, he established the L.T. Santos Timber Co. after the conflict. In the sixties, given his background, he was appointed city chief of police and made a name as the archenemies of criminals. His first foray into politics was in 1965 when he ran for Congress; he lost. In 1969, he again ran for a Congress seat but failed. Two years later he returned to trounce city mayor Elias B. Lopez, and was reappointed during Martial Rule. During the first Aquino administration, he was appointed Secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government. After leaving public office, he accepted a consultancy job, but later retired to private life. He died on Aug. 3, 2011, at age 87. Post-Martial Law Mayors (1986-2016)

Zafiro L. Respicio (Apr. 4, 1986 – Nov. 2, 1987) As one of the most visible campus leaders to emerge in Davao City in the sixties was Zafiro L. Respicio. A lawyer by profession, he led high-profile protests and when martial law was declared, he was arrested and subjected to military torture. Before passing the bar exams in 1971, he ran under the lineup of Mayor Santos and won. In 1980, he ran for mayor against Santos, Lopez and Councilor Victorio Advincula Sr. but finished a close third in the four-cornered fight. In 1984, he ran and won as assemblyman of the Batasang Pambansa, representing the city. When military rule folded up, he was installed as OIC-city mayor for a year and a half. He ran for city mayor in the 1988 polls, but lost. He later assumed as com-

missioner of the Bureau of Immigration, but was embroiled in a case that earned him a conviction before the Sandiganbayan and the Supreme Court in 2011. He died on Mar. 10, 2014 from diabetes and end-stage kidney failure while his guilty verdict was being appealed. Jacinto T. Rubillar Jr. (Dec. 17, 1987–Feb. 1, 1988) Born in Bilar, Bohol, Jacinto T. Rubillar Jr., a lawyer, was a former Undersecretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government before he was appointed OICcity mayor of Davao by Pres. Corazon C. Aquino. Prior to this, he was installed OIC-city councilor, serving the City Council for one and a half years. The son of former Maribojoc mayor Jacinto Rubillar Sr., he pursued a low-profile status while employed in the local government under then city mayor Luis T. Santos. In private, he was engaged in law practice and attended the family business. (No OIC or acting mayor was appointed on February 2-4, 1986.)

Rodrigo R. Duterte (1988-92; 1992-95; 199598; 2001-04; 2004-07; 2007-10; 2013-16) Born in Maasin, Southern Leyte, on Mar. 28, 1945, Rodrigo R. Duterte, a lawyer, briefly taught at the PNP Academy Regional Training Center, Region XI, in 1973 before joining the government as special counsel and assistant city fiscal of Davao City. He was OICcity vice-mayor for nearly two years before deciding to seek a full term as city mayor. Except for single term in Congress and as vice mayor, he has been the city’s chief executive for over two decades. The Time magazine labeled him “The Punisher”, but the New Yorkbased Human Rights Watch accused him of human rights violations. Despite the controversies, the city still earned from Asiaweek the distinction as “one of Asia’s most livable cities.” He filed his candidacy for President in 2015.

Dominador B. Zuño Jr. (Nov. 12, 1990–Jan. 11, 1991) A lawyer like his father, Dominador B. Zuño, Jr. first ran for the City Council in 1971 when councilors were voted at-large and served the local legislature for 15 years. In 1988, he ran for a higher position and won as vice-mayor. During his incumbency, he served three months as acting city mayor when city mayor Duterte tendered a leave of absence. Four years later, he

vied for a seat in Congress but fell short. During the Arroyo administration, he returned to public service as presidential assistant with a rank of Undersecretary, at one time heading the Southern Philippines Development Authority-Deactivation Task Force (SPDA-DTF). To his credit, he conceived and implemented the Media Village at Bangkal, Davao City.

Benjamin C. de Guzman (1998–2001) Born in Davao Oriental, Benjamin C. de Guzman graduated with highest honors from the Ateneo de Davao University’s College of Law in 1969 and passed the Bar a year later. His first government job was as CFI legal researcher and later as special counsel. He became president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, Davao Chapter. He was elected city mayor in 1998 and awarded ‘Best Mayor of the Philippines’. Prior to this, he was city administrator and vice mayor. In 2001, he sought reelection but lost. Three years later, he ran for Congress in the third congressional district, but fell short. In the 2010 elections, he teamed up with House Speaker Prospero C, Nograles but they lost.

Sara Z. Duterte-Carpio (2010–13) Born in Davao City in 1977, Sara Z. Duterte-Carpio, a lawyer, is a graduate in BS in Respiratory Therapy in 1977 before pursuing Law at San Sebastian College in Manila. She started work as legal researcher and management trainee before passing the Bar. She later joined a sugar corporation and a security service agency as legal counsel. Her first government stint was as court attorney in the Supreme Court before opening her own law office with her lawyer-spouse. In 2007, she was convinced to join politics and won as vice-mayor. Three years later she succeeded her father as mayor. Overtaken by pregnancy, she did not seek a reelection. (The author is the founder and executive director of the Philippines Industrial Archaeology Society and is currently a trustee of the Manila Railroad Club.)

Rodrigo R. Duterte, Dominador Zuno, Jr. Benjamin C. de Guzman, and Sara Duterte-Carpio

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EDGEDAVAO

CLASSIFIEDS17

We are now hiring for the ff. job vacancies:

1. CUSTOMER SERVICE OFFICER (C.S.O.) Scope of Work: • Handling of customer services (e.g. inquiries, complaints, scheduling of services) • Preparation of quotation for clients • STARTING SALARY: P12, 000 (BASED ON PRIOR EXPERIENCE) 2. TECHNICAL ENGINEER (T.E.) Scope of Work: • Installation/Programming/Configuration for the ff. products *CCTV, PABX, PABGM, INTERCOM, BIOMETRICS, ACCESS CONTROL, FIRE ALARM • STARTING SALARY: P13, 000 (BASED ON PRIOR EXPERIENCE) 3.ACCOUNTS MANAGER (A.M.) Scope of Work: -Sales & Marketing for New Clients STARTING SALARY: P15, 000 UP (BASED ON PRIOR EXPERIENCE) 4. STORE SUPERVISOR Scope of Work: • Responsible for daily store operation • Handling of manpower

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18 ARAW NG DAVAO SPECIAL

What Modern Luxury City A

Living Looks Like

S exciting and exhilarating city life can be, it can take its toll and stress any urbanite. Which is why modern architectural and interior design home aesthetics lean towards creating spaces that allow one to breathe, refresh and rejuvenate. Such thinking guides the designers of the forthcoming Dusit Thani Residence in Davao City. Property developers Dusit International and Torre Lorenzo have appointed Rchitects, Inc., to lead in the design aspect. The firm has a track record of creating landmark resort and hotel projects in Boracay, Bohol, Ortigas, Cagayan de Oro and Palawan. Rchitects, Inc. is working with Manny Samson + Associates (MSA), a leading interior design company that focuses on world class hospitality design and has projects across Southeast Asia. “Dusit Thani Residence will offer a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of urban Davao. We have planned this project to exude a resort-like experience by including lush tropical foliage and expansive water elements. The architecture is contemporary, incorporating tropical design features that allow for shading and ventilation while maximizing the use of natural lighting,” described Arch. Raul Bumanglag of

Rchitects, Inc. He added that the main highlight of the project is the “amenity theater” that centralizes shared activities. Bound by the hotel and the residential tower blocks, the amenity theater contains the swimming pools, water features and decks amidst a tropical landscaped setting. This feature will be accessible to both residents and hotel guests, allowing them to regroup from the day’s activities. Surrounding the amenities are the dining outlets and wellness facilities. Complementing this feature will be an infinity edge pool located at the second level. Architects and designers have also planned a grand lobby with a glass-enclosed pavilion offering views of the amenity theater within. The pavilion will be bright and airy with natural light by day and glow like a lantern at night. The warm wood and natural stone finishes represent the warmth and open hospitality that Davao is known for. “The patterns in the interior design, particularly on the walls and floors, will be inspired by Thai artistry. Local materials such as woven finishes, mother of pearl inlays, bone inlays, and natural wood are also applied to bring in a Filipino character.

The design statement creates an easy fusion of the Thai brand of hospitality, coupled with very familiar Philippine touches. It’s all about a home that provides a strong sense of the Asian way of luxurious living,” said Arch. Jeffrey Acdal of Manny Samson + Associates. Dusit Thani Residence will also have nature-friendly features such as energy efficient air conditioners, smart use of natural light and energy-efficient LED lighting, water efficient fixtures, and a rainwater harvesting system. Construction of Dusit Thani Residence has begun and is expected for turn over in 2018. The property will cover 1.2 hectares of prime land within Torre Lorenzo’s Siam 8000 property complex located in Maryknoll Road, Lanang, Davao City. The Dusit Thani Residence Discovery Center and showroom has recently been launched to offer interested investors and travelers a sneak peek on what can be expected. Once completed, the property will offer prime views of Davao’s city skyline and seascapes. This marks the entry of Dusit Thani’s luxury serviced apartments brand into Asia. Currently, the other existing Dusit Thani Residences are located in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

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ARAW NG DAVAO SPECIAL

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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)

Italian ‘invasion’ of Davao BY ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA

HERE’S a maxim, though unpopular, which goes: ‘There are more Italian-inspired restaurants in Davao than actual Italian residents.’ In fact, close to two dozen food houses in the city offer cuisines with authentic Italian culinary twists. But Davao’s link with an Italian dates back to the year Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan rediscovered the Philippines. On Oct. 26, 1521, while on their way to the Spice Islands in Indonesia, the remnants of the Magellan crew, which included Venetian diarist Antonio Pigafetta, were marooned at Sarangani Island due to a storm. Pigafetta, the expedition’s chronicler, wrote of the incident: “Continuing our voyage [from Batulaki island] we entered a port between the two islands Sarangani and Candigar (Balut), and cast anchor to the east, near a village of Sarangani, where pearls and gold are found… The inhabitants are Gentiles and go naked like the others.” That makes Pigafetta to first Italian to reach Davao region in colonial times. Whether he alighted from his vessel and set foot in Sarangani, it’s unclear. But who is he? Scholar and explorer A native of Venice, Italy, Pigafetta (1491–1531), an Italian scholar and explorer from a rich family, joined the Magellan expedition, which was in search of Spices in the Indies, as an assistant, returning to Spain in 1522 with 17 other survivors. He is credited for documenting the Cebuano language and introducing it to global consciousness. As a young man, Pigafetta studied the nuances of cartography, astronomy and geography, served on board ships of the Knights of Rhodes, and had the privilege of accompanying the papal nuncio to Spain. In the Battle of Mactan, where Magellan was killed, Knights of Rhodes was injured but recovered to join the trip back home on board the vessel Victoria, this time under the leadership of Juan Sebastian Elcano via the Spice Islands. He later reconnected with the Knights of Rhodes and became a member of the Order. Pre-war period That there were Italian businessmen in Davao before

There are more Italianinspired restaurants in Davao than actual Italian residents the World War II broke out in 1941, is something that’ not very clear. At the time, there was a good number of Americans with Italian-sounding names but they were naturalized Americans. Davao-born John Russell Frank, the grandson of Davao Light & Power Company founder P.H. Frank, in ‘On The Road Home: An American Journey’ (2010) wrote about local residents as a “cosmopolitan and friendly mix of Visayans, Bicolanos, Tagalogs, Zamboangueños, Cebuanos, Japanese, Americans, British, Egyptians, Italians, and Arabians in the market centers of Davao.” The Arabians cited by Frank from copious family letters written from Mindanao could have referred to the Middle Eastern migrants from Lebanon-Syria, among them the Awads, Borgailys, and Sasins, who were close relatives. The Awads, who once owned the first pre-American abaca plantation in Davao, were Lebanese Maronite Christians from the Beqaa Valley, in Lebanon. From Jan. 1 to June 30, 1908 nine pearling licenses were issued in Davao, two of them granted to Assyrians (Syrian-Lebanese). (Today, the most prominent Davao family with an Italian-sounding surname is the Ferrazzinis, owner of the iconic Merco ice cream and cake houses.) Authentic Italian restos The rise of Davao as one of the world’s most livable cities in the first decades of the 21st century gave rise to sophistication and authenticity. In food business, largely dominated by Filipino-inspired cuisines, copycats of culinary concepts from Europe, the United States, and other first-world regions started to evolve.

1 Trip Advisor, in its online review, identified some of the trendy Italian-inspired eateries in Davao as the Spirale, Italianni’s, La Toscana, Sbarro, Don Beppe, Gelatomania, Picobello, Caffe Vivere, Cafe 52, Pasta Sopresa, Pastanni, and il Cammino Italiano Pizza, to name just a few. A standout in the local scene is Morisco Ristorante Italiano, founded by Chef Giuseppe Morisco, a finalist of the popular US reality show ‘MasterChef’, in 2013. Managed by his father, Gaitano Morisco, now a Davao resident who once owned restaurants in Hong Kong and Chicago, the Italian food house sources its vegetables and meats locally, but imports its ingredients like pasta, cheeses, salami, and Parma prosciutto from Italy.

Italians among us Like most Filipinos, in particular Roman Catholics, an Italian is often associated with Rome, Vatican, and the Pope. While this perception may be true, Davao has largely been the destinations of American and Canadian missionaries, with Italian priests associated with the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions (PIME), a congregation founded in Milan, Italy, in 1850, assigned outside Southern Mindanao. Over the decades pastoral visits to the city by Italians are far and between. On Aug. 20, 2013, two Italian lay missionaries from Naples, Italy, belonging to the group San Mattias, namely Dario Barbieri and Francesco Calise, conducted an outreach mission in Lumondao, Davao City, giving out medicines and foods to over 200 indigent families. Their missionary work in the city was coordinated with the Society of Divine Vocations (SDV), a religious congregation with station at Catalunan Grande, Davao City. There is, however, a gourmet house at Barangay Buda, about 90 kilometers southeast of the city, called the Bosco Center for Hope for Integral Development for Lumad Youth and Children. This is run by Fr. Franco Uras, an Italian priest of the Salesian Order of Don Bosco. Papal nuncios

3 1: Antonio Pigafetta; 2: Morisco Ristorante Italiano; 3: Chef Giuseppe Morisco (Henrylito D. Tacio) Established in 1902, the country’s Apostolic Nunciature, the official residence of the personal representative of the Pope in the country, has always been the home of the papal nuncio, Vatican’s ambassador to the Philippines. Interestingly, the nunciature, located at 2140 Taft Avenue, Malate, Manila, has hosted about a dozen Ital-

ian nuncios since it opened in Manila over a century ago. Except for Placide Louis Chapelle, a French-American and the first nuncio; Edward Joseph Adams, an American; and Ambrose Agius, a Maltese, all the other papal representatives were Italian padres. The Italian nuncios that have stayed in Manila include Donato Sbaretti

(1901-02), Guglielmo Piani, S.D.B. (1922-48), Egidio Vagnozzi (1949-58), Salvatore Siino (1959-63), Carlo Martini (1963-67), Carmine Rocco (1967-73), Bruno Torpigliani (197390), Gian Vincenzo Moreni (1990-99), Antonio Franco (1999-2006), Fernando Filoni (2006-07), and Giuseppe Pinto (2011-present). █

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NO VACATION. These bunch of Dela Salle Green Archers led by top gun Jeron Teng (fourth from right, front) are in for a tough tournament in the Araw ng Davao Basketball Tournament. The Green Archers will don the CMO-The Royal Mandaya Hotel colors. Lean Daval Jr.

PRIDE AT STAKE Araw ng Davao hoops feature top 4 squads from country’s 3 islands By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO njb@edgedavao.net

TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE March 16 (Wednesday) 3:00 – 4:30 pm - University of Visayas vs. TRMH – CMO (DLSU) 4:30 – 6:00 pm - Montaña Pawnshop vs. Goldstar Hardware

March 17 (Thursday) 7:30 – 9:00 pm - TRMH – CMO (DLSU) vs. Goldstar Hardware 6:00 – 7:30 pm - University of Visayas vs. Montaña Pawnshop March 18 (Friday) 7:30 – 9:00 pm - Goldstar Hardware vs. University of Visayas 6:00 – 7:30 pm - Montaña Pawnshop vs. TRMH – CMO (DLSU)

HEN four of the most passionate squads from three islands of this basketball-crazy nation collide, expect not just a competition but a war. Imagine this. Out to defend its title and go for a repeat is Davao’s Goldstar Hardware. Then there’s another Davao squad in multi-titled Montaña Pawnshop whose history with basketball dates back to the Philippines Basketball League (PBL) days. There’s the reigning Kadayawan champion CMO-The Royal Mandaya Hotel who will be bannered by the UAAP’s glamour squad Dela Salle University. And finally, there’s the tournament darkhorse from Cebu, the University of Visayas Green Lancers.

“Too much pride is at stake here. It’s not just a short tournament but one that every team wants to win,” said tournament director Cholo Elegino on the eve of the 2016 Araw ng Davao Invitational Basketball Tournament. And because this compact 4-day tournament is one of only two major hoops events in Davao City, it gives the champion half the bragging rights of being the best team of the South. Last year, Goldstar Hardware of team owner Winston Ho won its very first Araw ng Davao title after several futile tries. The Hardwaremen, coached by Ice Gravador, had to bring in reinforcements Charles Mammie and Landry Sanjo along-

side eventual most valua b l e player Leomar Losentes for its breakthrough win at the expense of many-time champion Montaña Pawnshop of Armand Quibod 89-69 in the finals. CMO-TheRoyal Mandaya Hotel, riding on the crest of a three-title run, were last year’s heartbreak kids despite bringing in the vaunted San Beda Red Lions squad that had just lost

rte.

As was in past editions where he never misses to come personally and do the ceremonial jumpball, Mayor Duterte will again lead the formalities along with runningmate Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano and Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas (SBP) 11 regional director Regino “Boy” Cua. Today’s first game will pit CMO-TRMH La Salle against the University of the Visayas at 3:00 p.m. before the main game at 4:30 pm between Goldstar and Montaña in an early collision between last year’s finalists. All games will be played at the Davao City Recreation Center (Almendras Gym). Admission is free.

Teng voted Nickelodeon’s Favorite Asian Sports Star

NIKELODOEN’S CHOICE. Jeron Teng of the Dela Salle Green Archers arrive via The Royal Mandaya Hotel limousine service for the the Araw ng Davao Basketball Tournament. The Green Archers will don the CMO-The Royal Mandaya Hotel colors. Lean Daval Jr.

the 2015 NCAA title to Colegio de San Juan de Letran. With a ragtag B team from the Red Lions planed in for the tournament, the youngsters from Mendiola settled for third place after beating MP Zamboanga 82-64. All that is history now. That’s how short basketball memory can be. Everything starts from scratch today and all four teams are wary each game in the next three days must be played like championships. “You cannot be caught playing lousy one night or you lose the title,” said Glenn Escandor, who co-manages the CMO-TRMH La Salle squad with Christopher “Bong” Go, chief exec of presidential bet Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Dute-

ERON Teng was named Favorite Asian Sports Star in the 2016 Nickelodeon Kid’s Choice Awards 2016. The La Salle Green Archers star joined showbiz personality Maine Mendoza as the only Filipino winners in this year’s staging of Nickelodeon’s annual awards event held Sunday (Monday, Manila time) at The

Forum in Inglewood, California. Teng beat Singaporean footballer Irfan Fandi, German-born Indonesian footballer Kim Kurniawan, and Malaysian diver Pandelela Rinong in the category. Meanwhile, Mendoza beat Enrique Gil, James Reid, and Kathryn Bernardo in the Favorite Pinoy Personality category.

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1ST TMS FUTSAL COMMUNITY TOURNAMENT. Individual awardees of the recent 1st TMS Futsal Community Tournament show off their prizes. L-R: Winnie Digal, Chuck Tabamo, Elmo Dela Cruz, Gerard Segocio (Best Defender), Benjie Cavita, Ramir Hse (Golden Glove-Best Keeper), Gary Ocampo (MVP), Anton Maligad (Best Midfielder). John Paul Beau Garcia (not in the picture) led Orange Team in a sweep of all its matches to win the tournament. Blue team

BEAST MODE C

ALVIN Abueva is clearly on Beast Mode this 2016 PBA Commissioner’s Cup. Abueva has been beasting out lately, pulling off consecutive monster games to help Alaska take the top spot in the standings at the mid-point of the elimination rounds and bag for himself a second Player of the Week nod. But a quick dive into the stats shows Abueva has delivered in a lot of ways to lead the Aces’, the league’s top team in offense and fourthbest defense, remarkably strong showing after a historic collapse in the last Philippine Cup finals. Among all locals, Abueva is in the top 10 in five statistical categories so far in the PBA’s second conference.

The 28-yearold forward is seventh in scoring (16.33 points), fourth in rebounds (8.67), eighth in steals (1.33) and blocks (0.83), and 10th in assists (3.5). Abueva is loudly making his case this early for the Best Player of the Conference award with his all-around performance in the import-dominated tournament. And this should come as no surprise given that the former San Sebastian Stag is the only player in the history of any major league in the Philippines to finish as the season leader in points, rebounds, and assists back in Season 88 of the NCAA in 2012. GlobalPort’s Terrence Romeo leads all local players in

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scoring, averaging 25.33 points, while Ginebra’s Greg Slaughter is tops in rebounds with 10.33 boards per game, and JP Erram is the best local shotblocker with 1.67 swats. Meanwhile, Blackwater’s Mike Cortez is the league-leader in assists with 6 dimes a game, and SMB’s Chris Ross leads all players in steals, with 2.6 swipes a game. Abueva looks to continue his dominant run on Wednesday when Alaska shoots for

came in second with George Valenzona scoring 16 total points for the team to garner the Golden Boot award. All individual awardees received NIKE gift certificates while the champion and runner up teams received trophies and medals. Right photo, Carlos Veloso with George Valenzona during the awarding of the golden boot. BEASTING. Calvin Abueva is showing an all-around performance to top local leading scorer Terrence Romeo and best rebounder Greg Slaughter this early in the Best Player of the Conference race of the 2016 Commissioner’s Cup.

its sixth straight win in a much-awaited rematch with its Philip-

Blatche-Gilas deal almost done

BACK TO GILAS. Andray Blatche is tentatively set to plane in on May 15 to join Gilas Pilipinas in its preparations for the Olympic qualifier in Manila in July. Fiba.com

pine Cup conqueror, the San Miguel Beermen.

NLY minor kinks are being sorted out and naturalized player Andray Blatche will finally be on board again with Gilas Pilipinas. Team manager Butch Antonio said talks with the camp of Blatche are now on the final stages and he’s confident it’s only a matter of time before the 29-year-old naturalized player agrees to come over and spearhead the national squad’s bid in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Manila four months from now. “We’re close to sealing the deal. Sana within the week tapos na natin,” Antonio disclosed at the end of Gilas Pilipinas’ Monday practice at the Moro Lorenzo gym inside the Ateneo campus. “We’re very much in

touch with his group. Hopefully, it’s done.” As per projection of coach Tab Baldwin, Antonio said the former NBA player should be here in the country by May 15. “I guess that’s the time when most everybody are finally on board, with the PBA ending on the 20th assuming it goes the full route,” added the Gilas team manager. Blatche’s season with the Xinjiang Flying Tigers is now over after the team bowed out in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) playoffs after being swept in three games by the Sichuan Blue Whales during the semifinals. Based on his talks with Blatche and his handlers, Antonio said the 6-foot-11 New York native is thrilled to play in the July 5-10 qualifier, with

a possible shot at playing in the Rio De Janeiro Olympics in August. “He’s excited na sa OQT and he wants to help us,” said Antonio. “Ang sa akin that’s more important than anything else. The willingness is there and that somehow, his heart remains with Gilas, which is a very big, big factor.” Antonio however, refused to divulge the figures involved in the impending deal with Blatche, now in his third tour of duty with Gilas after the 2014 Fiba World Cup in Spain and last year’s Fiba Asia Men’s Championship in Changsha, China. “It’s good. It’s fair to all,” was all the Gilas team manager would say about the new deal being worked out for the former Washington and Brooklyn stalwart.

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