Edge Davao 9 Issue 57

VOL. 9 ISSUE 57 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2016

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

www.edgedavao.net

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

2 MORE TO CABINET D

DPWH SECRETARY VILLAR. Presidentelect Rodrigo R. Duterte exchanges pleasantries with Las Piñas Rep. Mark Villar while former senator Manny Villar looks on during the mayor’s meet and greet with well-wishers at Matina Enclaves on Monday afternoon. Villar accepted the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) post that Duterte offered. Lean Daval Jr.

‘DEVIL’S ADVOCATE’ Militant Bayan-SMR opposes nominee to AFP post

Rep. Villar for DPWH, former NorCot gov Piñol for Agri

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

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njb@edgedavao.net

N elected lawmaker and a former governor are the latest would-be cabinet members of presumptive President-elect Rodrigo Duterte who have accepted the offer to the new administration.

Las Piñas City Rep. Mark Villar and former North Cotabato governor Emmanuel Piñol have announced yesterday they have accepted the offer as Secretary of Public Works and Highways, and Agriculture, respectively.

Rep. Villar was in the company of his parents former Senate President Manny Villar

and mother Senator Cynthia Villar on Monday afternoon during the signing of the “coalition for change agreement” between the Nacionalista Party where the Villars and Duterte’s runningmate Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano belong and the PDP-Laban chaired by Duterte.

The agreement was signed at the Matina Enclaves where the incoming president held temporary office.

Piñol, a staunch Duterte supporter, arrived Monday evening.

Villar’s camp confirmed via GMA News Online on Tues-

day that Duterte offered the cabinet post on Monday evening. According to the same report, Villar had accepted the offer.

“I confirm that Presumptive President Rody Duterte asked me to be his DPWH Secretary and after consulting with my family and constituents, I have decided to humbly accept his offer,” Villar said in a statement Tuesday.

The decision was reportedly made after consultations were conducted following Duterte’s offer on Monday. The rules on replacement for elect-

ed members of the House of Representatives shall apply on Villar’s case.

Piñol also took the offer although he admitted it took some time for him to realize that he has been named as agriculture chief.

The incoming agriculture chief said he was named in the position during a meeting with Duterte and others who the Davao City mayor had chosen to serve in his cabinet once he assumed office on June 30.

Piñol said while he did not lobby for the position “I would

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ESPITE being offered with three cabinet posts, not all leftist groups are happy with the openness of presumptive President-elect Rodrigo Duterte to working with the Communist Party of the Philippines.

Duterte has revealed his offer to the Left the four cabinet posts--Department of Agrarian Reform, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Labor, and Department of Social Welfare and Development-- being the most “vigilant” group when it comes to pressing national issues.

The offer came with the invitation for CPP leader Joma Sison to come home.

Yesterday, Bagong

Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) – Southern Mindanao played the ‘devil’s advocate’—a term the Duterte transition team earlier coined as a way of checks and balance in the appointment process.

The militant group expressed concern on the possible appointment as head of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) of Lt. Gen. Ricardo Visaya, current commander of the Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM), whom the militant group described as “a notorious human rights violator.”

Visaya was named by the Duterte camp as among the contenders for the position of AFP Chief of Staff.

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2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 57 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2016

MORE FARM-TO-MARKET ROADS. A public utility vehicle (PUV) overloaded with farm produce traverses the national highway along Marilog District in Davao City. The incoming Duterte administration plans to prioritize the constructions of more farm-to-market roads to help farmers bring their produce from the countryside to public markets in the city. Lean Daval Jr.

DICT bill now with Malacanang

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HE Office of the President (OP) is now reviewing the Department of Information and Communication (DICT) bill, which aims for the creation of a standalone estate information and communications technology agency.

“According to PLLO (Presidential Legislative Liaison Office), (the) DICT bill was transmitted to Malacanang on May 10. There’s a 30-day review period,” Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said.

House Bill No. 6198, a priority measure of Congress, was approved by the House of Representatives on third and final reading in October 2015.

The Senate adopted the same last Dec. 15, thus, removing the need for a bicameral meeting for the proposed measure.

Once signed into law, the bill will boost improvement in the country’s information and communication technology (ICT) system.

It is eyed to address, among others, the issue of internet speed in the country, which to date is among the slowest in the world.

The DICT is eyed to be created by merging existing ICT-related agencies under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC).

(PNA)

Duterte’s order to Manny Piñol: Ensure food, no corruption in DA

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FTER naming former North Cotabato Gov. Emmanuel Pinol as incoming agriculture secretary, incoming President Rodrigo Duterte immediately issued his marching orders to the farmer-politician from Mindanao.

“Ensure available, affordable food for Filipinos and no corruption in the Department of Agriculture,” Pinol said of Duterte as telling him.

Pinol take the challenge although he admitted it took some time for him to realize that he has been named as agriculture chief.

The incoming agriculture chief said he was named in the position during a meeting with

Duterte and others who the Davao City mayor had chosen to serve in his cabinet once he assumed office on June 30.

Pinol said while he did not lobby for the position “I would be lying if I said that I was not happy with the appointment.”

In his FB page he said: “Deep inside me, I told myself wow, now I will be able to do what I had long wanted our agriculture officials to do which is to produce more food for the Filipinos and improve the lives of our farmers.”

For Pinol, it was not an easy job entrusted to him by the incoming president.

“The task is gargantuan.

It is not going to be easy to

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Dolfo hopeful Samal bridge is realized in Duterte term O

UTGOING Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo del Rosario is confident that the long-awaited Davao-Samal bridge will push through during the term of presumptive president Rodrigo Duterte.

“Hopefully with Digong as President palagay ko mapapabilis ang bridge natin (I think our bridge will be hastened.)” del Rosario said hopeful that the presumptive president will pick up the cherished project which will connect

Davao City mainland to the Island Garden City of Samal.

“I expect that he will look after Davao.” the Governor replied when asked if he sees the bridge being completed under Duterte’s six-year term as President.

The Samal Bridge is subject of the prefeasibility study undertaken by a Japanese civil engineering consultancy firm , Katahira and Engineers Incorporated.

The study will be up for approval by the National Eco-

nomic and Development Authority which will be forwarded to the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for acceptance.

A Korean consultancy firm Korea Engineering and Construction (KEC) was commissioned by Davao City Mayor and incoming President Duterte last year to conduct a feasibility study for a Samal-Davao bridge. This is a separate project from the JICA/NEDA initiated study and signaled the Mayor’s

openness to the possiblity of a bridge project.

Based on a 2005 study, the bridge would be a twolane suspension bridge with a length of 1,350 meters and at an estimated cost of P15.93 billion.

Del Rosario said the bridge will spur development in the island particularly tourism. Samal is known for its white sand beaches and dive sites and is one of the top tourism destination in the Davao Region. (PIA/RG Alama)

rio, Budget Secretary Florencio Abad and Interior and local Government Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento assured the funds will be released directly to the province.

The two secretaries praised Governor Rodolfo del Rosario’s no-nonsense leadership, noting his committed involvement in advancing the principles of good governance and inclusive growth.

“Your accomplishments are proof that transparent, accountable and empowering leadership can bring the country to a confident future, where no Filipino is left behind,” they said.

Del Rosario welcomed

this development, saying the fund is a big boost to rev up the development momentum of the province.

“Our pursuit of good governance has given us the key to access this huge amount from the national government,” he said.

Davao del Norte is among the pilot provinces of the Kalsada program, receiving an allocation of P42 million for this year’s initial implementation.

The program is an offshoot of the Provincial Road Management Facility funded by the Australian government under the Department of Interior and Local Government, which ended last year.

Del Rosario is among the lead governors who lobbied for the expansion of the PRMF to push for good governance initiatives that enable local governments to perform better in the delivery of basic services.

Davao del Norte was among the ten PRMF recipient provinces in the country, where the project significantly improved its road network to drive economic growth.

The province also benefitted from the crucial local reforms brought about by the project valuing the principles of performance, transparency, accountability, and inclusivity. (Noel Baguio/ PIO)

P397-M road projects a reward for good governance

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AVAO del Norte will get P397-million worth of connectivity projects to beef up its capacity to build and improve more roads and keep its good governance initiatives.

The province will receive the allocation as one of the pilot provinces of the scaledup Konkreto at Ayos na Lansangan ang Daan Tungo sa Pangkalahatang Kaunlaran (KALSADA) program under the Department of Interior and Local Government.

The amount is included in the proposed budget for the program next year amounting to P39 billion.

In their joint letter to Governor Rodolfo del Rosa-

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EDGEDAVAO

Duterte wants cost-efficient gov’t T

HE incoming administration of presumptive President-elect Rodrigo Duterte will be fast and cost-efficient with a plan to scale down expenditures par-

ticularly on seminar and ‘Lakbay Aral’ (educational trips).

This means, seminars will not be held away from work places rather than traveling to other places like Manila.

“Why not bring the speaker instead,” he said.

He said seminars in government especially Lakbay Aral usually become junket trips and cost a lot of money.

“No more seminars going to Manila rather have the seminars in local venues and let the resource person come,” he said.

He added that these ac-

Kins of massacre victims nix Panelo appointment Fear ‘whitewash’ of cases vs Ampatuans

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possible in a high profile case like the Maguindanao massacre.

Lawyer Leoncio Villa-Abrille said presumptive president Rodrigo R. Duterte, a famous prosecutor, will never allow this to happen.

Villa-Abrille also said that Panelo has resigned as counsel for the Ampatuans in the case.

“Sal is not capable of doing that,” he said. “Besides whitewashing cases is not within the powers of the executive, specially a case which has deeply impacted on our society.”

Fifty-eight people, 32 of them media workers, died in the massacre on Nov. 23, 2009.

The primary suspects in the mass murder were Ampatuan clan patriarch former Maguindanao Gov. Andal Ampatuan Sr. and his sons Andal Ampatuan Jr., former mayor of Datu Unsay town and Zaldy Ampatuan, former governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Ampatuan Sr. on trial for masterminding the massacre, died from liver cancer on July 2015.

Zaldy and Andal Jr. are in jail. .More than 100 security men

of the Ampatuans have also been charged.

The Justice Now Movement, composed of relatives of the victims expressed apprehension they may not find justice with Panelo in the Cabinet of Duterte.

Emily Lopez, president of the group, said it would be unfair to the victims and their relatives if Duterte names Panelo as his Press Secretary.

“We will oppose Panelo in the Duterte Cabinet. He is the lawyer of the Ampatuans.

If he is in the position, what will happen to our case? We may no longer find justice.

He could even have those suspects in jail released,” said Lopez.

“Hindi na kami mabigyan ng justice. Malabo ng magkaroon ng justice kung maging spokesperson siya ng Presidente (We will no longer find justice if he becomes the spokesperson of the President),” said Monette Salaysay, a midwife at the Cotabato Regional Hospital whose husband, radio broadcaster Nap Salaysay, was among the journalists killed in what was tagged by the Committee on the Protection of Journalists

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is abuse of people’s money.

Duterte said, “These are part of my thoughts when I was on a one week break after the May 9, 2016 National and Local Elections.” (PNA)

SC disbars lawyer involved in hijacking incident in 2010

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SOLICITING PASSENGERS. A passenger van conductor peeks his head out of the vehicle’s window while soliciting passengers along Quezon Blvd. in Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

ELATIVES of the victims of the Ampatuan massacre in Maguindanao will oppose the appointment of lawyer Salvador Panelo as member of the Duterte administration.

Panelo, who lawyers for members of the Ampatuans, prime suspects in the carnage, has been mentioned as the incoming Press Secretary of Duterte who will assume as the 16th President of the Philippines on July 1.

In a press statement, the relatives said Panelo’s appointment could lead to a whitewash of the case. They said discussion of the cases in Palace press briefings could become problematic since Panelo earlier reportedly said the charges were fabricated and his clients were framed.

In effect, the relatives said Panelo accused them of lying and frame-up.

Panelo who is reportedly resting in a Davao hotel did not answer a texted request for his side of this story.

However, another lawyer who is a fraternity brother and batchmate in the college of law of the University of the Philippines, defended Panelo, saying a whitewash is not

tivities will be stopped because some would only use this as an excuse for touring around places.

“Stop this business,” he said, adding that Lakbay Aral

HE Supreme Court (SC) has disbarred a lawyer for gross misconduct and violation of the Code of Professional Responsibility (CPR) for his alleged participation in a hijacking incident in 2010.

The SC acted on an administrative complaint against Atty. Ronald C. Aguado filed by Cobalt Resources, Inc. (CRI).

It found merit in CRI’s petition for review filed before the SC, accusing Aguado of hijacking and falsification of documents.

Likewise, the SC also ordered Aguado’s name stricken off the roll of attorneys after finding him guilty of gross dishonesty.

In its unanimous ruling released on Tuesday, the SC reminded lawyers of their explicit mandate as stated in Canon 1 of the CPR that “[a] lawyer shall not engage in unlawful, dishonest, immoral or deceitful conduct” and that

“[a] lawyer shall not counsel or abet activities aimed at defiance of the law or at lessening confidence in the legal system.”

The CRI initially filed its administrative complaint before the Integrated Board of the Philippines (IBP).

The IBP Commission on Bar Discipline (IBP-CBD) found Aguado “liable for unlawful, dishonest, immoral, and deceitful conduct in falsifying the ID and mission order showing him as the Legal Consultant and the Assistant Team leader” of the Presidential Anti-Smuggling Group (PASG), which allegedly hijacked the CRI delivery van “loaded with cellular phones worth P1.3 million” on March 5, 2010.

However, the IBP-CBD “deferred the issue of Atty.

Aguado’s purported participation in the alleged hijacking incident as the issue pertained to a judicial function.”

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 57 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2016

During DE Fernando S. “Boi” Ongkingco’s Paalam at Pasasalamat, May 11, 2016. From left: ASEC Dimas Soguilon, Former During DE Fernando S. “Boie” Ongkingco’s Paalam at Pasasalamat, May 11, 2016. Seated from left: DE Joselito Caballero, ARD Dahlia V. Nolasco, DE Lorna Ricardo, RD Rey Tamayo of Region 12, Businessman Mr. Lito Monfort, RD Mariano R. DE Alberto Cainghog, ASEC Dimas Soguilon, DE Gene Lozano, DE Zenaida Tan, and DE Lorna T. Ricardo. Standing from Alquiza, CESO III of Region XI and DE Fernando S. “Boie” Ongkingco. left: DE Fernando S. “Boie” Ongkingco, DE Noe Placer and DE Cynthia Tiu.

District engr. Ongkingco retires after 42 years T

GenSan City to address problems on street kids

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ERNANDO “Boie” S. Ongkingco Jr. retirement from government service yesterday, May 18, after serving in the government, specifically the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), for 42 years.

Ongkingco was DWPH district engineer in the first district of Davao City before his retirement.

His farewell speech is hereby reproduced in full: “ASEC Dimas Soguilon, Director Philip Minez, my kumpadre, Regional Director Mariano R. Alquiza, ARD Tomas Rodriguez, my classmate in Mapua, Director Rey Tamayo, former Director Eleno Colinares, former Director Robert Lala, my family; Chona, my better half, my daughters: Rhea Pauline, who is also an engineer, Jessica Jane, a businesswoman, Leah Joy, a businesswoman also, and my only son Atty. Paul Ryan; my brothers: Dr. Celso Ongkingco and family, Dr. Virgilio Ongkingco and family and Dr. Cynthia Obillos and family; Mr. Anthony Sasin, Mr. Ricky Pineda, and Mr. Michael Garcia, Engr. Tony Cayoca, former District Engineer of Malita, Davao

del Sur, former Assistant Regional Director Maam Dahlia Nolasco, mga kasama ko sa Maintenance Division, Baby Tolosa, Angie Caballero, Maura Vidanes, Nonoy Capacio, Engr. Evelio Pira, who is celebrating his birthday today, and of course, Auditor Sir Adonis Doronilla and Maam Annie Valles; my friends from the media: Jimmy Torres and his lovely wife Edna, Boy Dacumos, Madam Rose Palacio, the wife of Engr. Emy Palacio, who was once my Assistant DE when I was in Davao City, Mr. Tec Ocampo, Madam Melanie Severino, Mr. Boy Bilaan, Mr. Tony Ajero and many others from the print and broadcast media like the ABS-CBN and GMA; our friends from the contractors who are partners in infra development; members of Maharlika Lion’s Club; members from YMCA and Y’s Men Club of Metro Davao; my classmates from grade school to high school from the Ateneo de Davao college before; my fellow workers in the government, friends, ladies and gentlemen, good evening.

“On my way here this afternoon and even as I speak now, I am feeling the sadness

of the inevitable moment of my departure from the government service, particularly from my beloved DPWH, where I spent most of my life as a public servant. I really don’t feel retiring as I have come to love public service.

“What is even more really painful is that I will be leaving you, all of you who made my 42 years of service with the DPWH, a lifetime experience that I will forever treasure and cherish for the rest of my life.

“Those 42 years that I devoted to my work here in the DPWH started in 1974 to 1986, here in the Regional Office, from 1986 to 1999, at the Davao City District Engineering Office, from 1999 to 2013, at the DPWH Davao del Norte District Engineering Office and from 2013 up to the present, again at the DPWH Davao City District Engineering Office.

More than ½ of my life was spent with the DPWH. “I have served more than 15 Regional Directors, including our present Regional Director Mariano R. Alquiza, ASEC Dimas Soguilon and Director Eleno Colinares. All of them enriched my career experience that made us an ISO

certified office that earned for us the bragging right as a model District Office nationwide.

I have also served 2 District Engineers: Retired RD Robert Lala and DE Apolinar Gaite, who were also good, able leaders.

“Looking back and reminiscing those days and the people that came into my life is so nostalgic but heartwarming. Knowing you is a great bonus to my life. Thank you Sirs, Maams.

“I must also mention here my colleagues in the District Engineers League of the Philippines (DELP), National and Local chapters; The 7 District Engineers and their assistants; DE Joselito B. Caballero and ADE Noel C. Basanes; DE Gene Lozano and ADE Wilfredo Aguilar; DE Lorna T. Ricardo and ADE Danilo Jaravata; DE Albert L. Cainhog and ADE Edward R. Sevilla; DE Noel Placer and ADE Rodrigo Larete; DE Zenaida T. Tan and ADE Sunday Gudito and DE Cynthia Grace Tiu and ADE Boboy Parilla. DE Gene Lozano, DE Lorna Ricardo and I were together in Davao City DEO. DE Cynthia Tiu, DE Zenaida Tan,

of integrity mascot “Super I,” integrity float parade, and launching of its theme song.

“We already started some activities to promote the program and relay its message to the people,” said Fruto, who is a member of the project’s information and education campaign secretariat.

He said the promotion activities are spearheaded by a team composed of representatives from the civil society, business sector and the provincial government.

The i-South Cotabato program is an offshoot of the rollout in the province in 2014 of the European Union (EU)-supported Partnership for Integrity and Jobs Project or Project I4J.

The program’s implementer Konrad Adenaeur Stiftung (KAS) had chosen South Cotabato as its eight pilot areas in the country.

Co-funded by the EU and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development through KAS, Project I4J focuses on the development of integrity mechanisms and business promotion procedures in all its pilot areas through the help of the private and business sectors.

South Cotabato Gov. Daisy Avance-Fuentes said the program mainly aims to create model local government units (LGUs) for integrity, with the key result of having local government system that are free of corruption and red tape.

In line with the project, she said the provincial government committed to implement the necessary reforms that will facilitate the establishment of a model LGU for integrity.

These include the rationalization of business permits and licensing system with the help of the business sector and civil society or non-government groups.

“We’ve done this at the provincial government and we’re now working on its replication at the city and municipal level,” she said.

Fuentes added that three municipal governments in the province have already signified to adopt the project.

(PNA)

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HE city government is preparing various interventions to effectively address problems involving street children, especially those “in conflict with the law.”

City Mayor Ronnel Rivera said they are currently drawing up several initiatives that would give more emphasis on promoting the welfare of street children and eventually take them off the city’s streets.

“We need to curb the rising number of street children and at the same time address their concerns,” he said.

The mayor earlier held a consultation with around a thousand street children, who are also known as “batang sukarap.”

Among those who joined the meeting were children affiliated with local gangs or groups that had engaged in disturbances like riots and rumbles, he said.

The city’s “batang sukaraps” are previously known as the “batang tun-og.”

Some of these children had been involved in notorious activities, with some criminal in nature and already alarmed local authorities.

Rivera said the consultation did not involve other stakeholders as he wanted the children to express themselves freely.

“We’re taking a different

ARMM agri celebrates 25th year devolution

South Cotabato to launch governance program T

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HE provincial government of South Cotabato is set to launch a flagship program that aims to promote integrity and transparent governance in the area.

Lurvie James Fruto, staff member of the Provincial Information Office, said Tuesday preparations are now underway for the full rollout of the program, which is dubbed South Cotabato for Integrity and Jobs or i-South Cotabato.

He said the local government will formally unveil the program during the province’s 50th foundation anniversary and 2016 T’nalak Festival in the second week of July.

The activity includes the signing of the program’s “integrity pack,” presentation

approach to this problem as we’re now trying to generate solutions and ideas from the children themselves,” he said.

The mayor said he has tasked the City Social Welfare and Development Office, City Population and Management Office and other non-government groups to lead the city’s interventions.

He said the local government will initially programs that will provide street children with better chances to education and a venue to showcase their talents.

It will also address some concerns raised by the children, among them the construction and opening of playgrunds and related structures in their communities.

“These are pre-emptive solutions that when granted, will help deviancy cases among children to later drop,” Rivera said.

He acknowledged that the city government, especially the past administrations, had long neglected the concerns of the street children.

“We need to have longterm solutions to fully resolve this problem, and transform them from being batang sukaraps to batang may pangarap. They also have dreams and aspirations and are just victims of unfortunate circumstances,” he added. (PNA)

HE agriculture department of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) today celebrated of 25th year devolution anniversary of Department of Agriculture and Fishery (DAF-ARMM), highlighting the department’s accomplishments and programs for the agriculture sector.

It also signaled the twoweek-long celebration, culminating on May 30.

ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman and DAF-ARMM Regional Sec. Alexander Alonto Jr. led the celebration that coincided with the 2016 Farmers and Fisherfolks Month celebration at the DA covered court here.

The theme of this year’s celebration is “Silver Anniversary: Celebrating 25 Chal-

lenging Years in the Service of Our Farmers & Fisherfolks.”

Also in attendance were regional and provincial agriculture officials, employees, farmers and fisherfolks and graduates of DA’s school on the air from ARMM provinces of Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

Highlights of the celebration were the accomplishments of DAF-ARMM since 1991 that benefited farmers and fisherfolks across the region.

After the celebration, DAF-ARMM distributed farm inputs and fishing paraphernalia, recognition of outstanding farmers and fisherfolks, including lecture on health and wellness among the agri-

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6 ECONOMY

VOL. 9 ISSUE 57 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2016

Emperador to export brandy to N. America in 2nd half of 2016

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ISTED liquor company Emperador Inc., owned by tycoon Andrew L. Tan, will start exporting this second half of 2016 its brandy to North America, as it aggressively expands globally in a bid to increase share of overseas sales to its total revenues.

“We have signed an agreement to make Emperador brandy available in North America in the United States.

So hopefully, by the latter part of this year, when you go to the US, you will be able to see Emperador brandy there,” bared Emperador president Winston Co. Aside from North America, Co said the world’s largest brandy company is currently signing agreements with 10 Eastern European a countries.

“And we are currently in

three to four African countries as well,” he said, identifying some of these as Kenya and Nigeria.

Co stressed while the company is currently “big” in Europe, it is also excited about the potentials of its US and Asian markets, especially China.

With the company’s aggressive expansion globally, he is optimistic that the share of overseas sales will equal those from domestic market to its total revenues over the next few years. Earnings from the international markets currently comprise 38 percent of the total.

“Eventually, the 50-50 (share is) very possible but we can’t say when. It can be 2020, it can be 2019. I really don’t know but we are pushing that very, very hard,” he said. (PNA)

Greater govt support, more funds for OFW welfare programs under new OWWA law

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ENATOR Sonny Angara, acting chairman of the Senate labor committee, has hailed the signing into law of a bill that institutionalizes and strengthens the government’s support to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families by introducing reforms to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

Under Republic Act 10801, OWWA is declared as a national government agency and an attached agency of the Department of Labor and Employment, and would now receive government funding instead of relying solely from the contributions of its OFW members.

The recently enacted law also mandates greater representation of OFWs in the OWWA Board of Trustees by increasing the number of representatives from the OFW sector from the present three to five (two from land-based OFWs, two from sea-based OFWs and one from the women sector) while representatives from the government will be reduced from seven to six.

“As the principal agency of the government that serves

and promotes the rights, interest and welfare of OFWs and their families, the composition of the OWWA Board of Trustees must be reformed to really represent the OFW sector.

Sa ilalim ng batas na ito, higit nang mabibigyan ng boses ang ating 2.4 milyong OFWs sa kung saan mapupunta ang pondo ng OWWA at sa kung anong programa at serbisyo ang dapat bigyang prayoridad at lalo pang paigtingin,” Angara said.

RA 10801 further boosts the government’s capacity to assist migrant workers who lost their jobs by making the reintegration of OFWs one of the core programs of OWWA, which will be funded with not less than 10 percent of the total collection every year.

The reintegration program includes granting of loans and other financial support, trainings on financial literacy, entrepreneurial development, techno-skills, business counseling as well as job referrals for both local and overseas employment.

The new law also seeks to ensure transparency in the

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ELDERLY PORTER. An elderly porter pulls a cart full of fish from General Santos City and Zamboanga City at Bankerohan Public Market in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Lao hopeful Mindanao to have railway system

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

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crc@edgedavao.net

USINESS leader Vicente T. Lao urged the new administration under the presumptive President Rodrigo R. Duterte to push through with the construction of a Mindanao Railway System (MRS) to enhance transportation and connectivity within the island.

Lao, chairman of the Mindanao Business Council (MinBC), told Edge Davao that Mindanao needs the proposed railway project which will boost Mindanao’s agriculture sector as the industry faces bottlenecks like the lack of farm-to-market roads (FMR) causing the cost of transportation to increase.

“Our farmers and agri-processors need such project because it will improve transport of products to business centers and process-

ing zones,” Lao said.

He explained that while the project may cost the government billions of pesos, but its benefit to the local government units and the private sectors is tremendous.

“We, in Mindanao, should not live in fear. It’s better to take the risk than wait for nothing. This is the high time for us to push projects like this,” Lao added.

The MRS was proposed by several lawmakers previously but the project never took off.

Lao said some sectors opposed the project before because of the peace and order problem in some areas in Mindanao due to insurgency.

But with the new administration headed by a Mindananawon, Lao, together with other businessmen from Mindanao, set their expecta-

ment Authority also identified the MRS as one of the considered priority projects by the Aquino Administration last year listed in the Mindanao Development Corridors program.

Meanwhile, Duterte campaign spokesperson Peter T. Laviña said the new administration is looking into the possibility of pursuing the proposed railway system.

“It will be reviewed by our economic policy team together with other big ticket projects,” Laviña told reporters last Monday in a press conference.

Laviña said President Duterte has identified the need for more infrastructure projects throughout the country as part of his 8-point economic agenda to ensure the trickling of inclusive growth down to the common masses.

lion.

“I just hope that the next administration will look into the possibility of increasing the budget because it would greatly help the agricultural sector, and also in achieving food security,” Recoter added.

On the other hand, in time with the feast of Saint Isidore the Laborer, the farmers’ patron saint, DA-11 opened the 2016 Farmers and Fisherfolks Month.

The event kicked-off with the opening of the Agri-Trade Fair and Exhibit and Farmers Forum and Techno Forum for the farmers and fisherfolks present during the event.

Several activities will also be done in the various provinces of Davao Region in or-

der for the farmers and fisherfolks in the far-flung areas can participate in the monthlong celebration.

The said celebration is observed annually by DA in line with Presidential Proclamation No. 33 declaring the month of May as the Farmers and Fisherfolks’ Month recognizing the invaluable contribution of farmers and fisherfolks in nation-building.

As the greatest challenge in agriculture, Recoter urged the farmers to understand climate change and be better prepared, be resilient and consider opportunities to adapt to change.

“Farmers will need to deal with the increased tempera-

DA 11 optimistic for‘double’ fund on next administration T

Director Remelyn R. Recoter and City Administrator Atty. Jesus Melchor Quitain (2nd from right) leads the ribbon cutting during the opening of the 2016 Farmers and Fisherfolks Month celebration in Davao City.

tions high.

“We hope that President Duterte will be able to implement our dreamed railway system for Mindanao,” he added.

During his campaign at Cagayan de Oro last January, Senator Peter Cayetano, Duterte’s running mate, said President Duterte plans to incorporate the project for 2017 budget.

Duterte himself identified the railway system as one of his “regional economic inclusiveness projects.”

Cayetano said Mindanao’s first entire railway system will have a total length of 2,000 kilometers with an estimated total cost of P86 billion, based on the study initiated by the National Economic and Development Authority.

The Mindanao Develop-

O further provide assistance to the farmer and fisherfolk of Davao Region, Department of Agriculture (DA) 11 is hopeful that the next administration will increase or double its budget for the next six years.

Speaking during the opening of the Farmer and Fisherfolks Month on Monday at the City Hall of Davao, director Remelyn R. Recoter said the effect of the said increase will help the small farmers and fisherfolk obtain the needed materials and equipment to earn and provide for their families daily needs.

For 2015 and 2016, the General Appropriations Act (GAA) for DA 11 is at P1.4 bil-

F DA 11, 10

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 57 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2016

DOT lauds plan of Rody to boost rural tourism

T

OURISM 11 regional director Roberto P. Alabado III lauded presumptive President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s announced plan of boosting rural tourism to attain inclusive growth in the countryside.

“We are happy about this strategy,” Alabado told reporters yesterday at the Davao Business Forum at the Dermpath at SM City Davao Annex.

Alabado underscored the importance of the tourism industry in attaining economic growth, noting that at least one in every 10 Filipinos is directly or indirectly employed by the tourism industry which drew 2.8 million tourists just in Davao Region last year.

“I believe the tourism industry can provide more income to the locality and generate employment to the people from the rural areas,” Alabado added.

Recently, former agriculture secretary Carlos “Sonny” Dominguez, who is eyed to become the Department of Finance secretary, presented the 8-point agenda of the Duterte administration which include the promotion of the tourism industry in rural areas ensure the trickling down of the benefits of the inclusive growth to the common public.

Alabado said the focus on rural tourism as part of Duterte’s 8-point economic agenda will bring in development, opportunities of employment and income to rural area.

An urban planner, Alabado said the promotion of the

incoming administration will zero in on the improvement of eco-tourism and eco-adventure which include activities like diving, mountain trekking, and spelunking.

He said local government units in rural areas can now showcase their eco-tourism destinations which are starting to gain public attention because of the shift in market interest.

With all eyes on rural tourism, he said the government will be able to promote cultural tourism where local and foreign visitors can engaged with indigenous people in different cultural village located in different areas in the city.

Through this, tourists will be able to gain new experience by learning from the culture, beliefs and perspective of IPs through community immersion.

Alabado also expected that the new administration will be able to promote agri-tourism in the countryside which allows tourists to engaged with farmers when harvesting fresh agriculture products.

In Davao City, he said there are tour packages which include a visit to Bemwa farm in Marilog District and a cacao tour in Malagos Farm in Calinan District that showcase the city’s rich agri-tourism sector.

Alabado believed that more tourists will visit Davao Region now that a president from the Davao City will lead the country in the next few months. CHENEEN R. CAPON

60 Pantawid mothers finish beauty course

“W

E are happy that each of you took time out and really persisted in finishing this beauty care training. Whatever you learned here will be very useful in your day to day subsistence as you also help your husband earn extra income for your family,” Director Mercedita P. Jabagat of DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) addressed 60 Pantawid Pamilya mothers during the recent culmination ceremony at Gaisano Grand Toril.

Through the DSWD Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), at least 60 Pantawid mothers in barangays Bato, Bayabas, Binugao, Lubogan and Marapangi were trained in Beauty Care NC II, a TESDA-accredited skills training on Hair Dressing, Nail Care and Foot Spa. “With the skills you just acquired, you may opt to work in a beauty salon or work on you own as cosmetologist. This is

another opportunity provided to you to help you become more productive and gain additional income,” Director Jabagat stressed.

Project Development Officer of DSWD Ma. Victoria R. Maglunob, said the course covers core competencies such as manicure and pedicure, foot care, and basic haircutting.

It also includes common competencies like maintaining an effective relationship with clients and customers, managing own performance, working in a team, practicing occupational health and safety procedures, applying quality standards, and maintaining a safe, clean and efficient work environment, Maglunob said.

The DSWD livelihood team is currently assisting these mothers in establishing their own small business enterprise while some are accessed for employment with existing establishments that specialize in beauty care, Maglunob added.

(DSWD)

THE ECONOMY 7

DOT mulls over tour package showing President Rody’s lifess

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

T

crc@edgedavao.net

HE Department of Tourism (DOT) in Davao Region is eyeing the formulation of a tour package which will showcase the life of the presumptive President Rodrigo R. Duterte to take advantage of the tremendous interest of the public in his persona.

“We have to create a tour package focusing on him and his accomplishments,” DOT 11 regional director Roberto Alabado III told reporters during yesterday’sIdea Davao Business Forum at Dermpath at SM City Davao Annex.

Alabado had a meeting with the officials of City Tourism Office and tour operators from Davao to talk about the proposal which will be called as “Get to know your President. The package is targeted

to be launched this year.

The director, who also used to be city government official, said destinations under the package would include President Duterte’s house in Doña Luisa Subdivision, Matina, Davao City; Museo Dabaw; the headquarters of Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC) and Central 911; and Davao City Hall.

He said different local government units can benchmark on the achievements of the Mayor like ordinances and executive orders the city is famous of.

Among these are the liquor ban, speed limit, anti-smoking, and anti-firecracker.

Alabado explained that Duterte has become an attraction since the start of the elec-

tion campaign period, saying the presumptive President has become synonymous to Davao City and vice versa.

Since the election period, both local and foreign tourists have flown to the city just to experience what the social media is talking about Duterte and the city which used to be known for violence and disorder in the 1980’s.

He said the number of domestic tourists further increased soon after the result of the election was released.

“Accommodation establishments like hotels are registering above average occupancy rate in the past few days,” he said. “Marco Polo Davao, for instance, is 100 percent occupied.”

Alabado said the victory of the city mayor in his presiden-

tial bid will change the negative perception of domestic and foreign tourists on Mindanao painted by the national media.

“Tourists from Luzon and Visayas as well as those from other countries will see a new perspective of Mindanao,” he added.

There will be a lot of renewed interest on Davao because of the consisted good news projected by the national media on television and newspapers.

However, he said it will be a continued challenge to the city government on how it will be able to sustain and improve the peace and order here.

“Dapat mapanindigan natin ang image natin. We should showcase President Duterte’s fruit of labor,” he added.

FARMERS-FISHERFOLKS CELEBRATION. Freshly harvested vegetables and fruits are being displayed at Rizal Park in Davao City yesterday as part of the City Agriculturist Office’s 27th Farmers’ and Fisherfolk month celebration. Lean Daval Jr.

Myanmar a potential production site for PHL’s rice exports

M

YANMAR is seen to be a viable production site for Philippines’s rice export.

This came folowing a successful hybrid rice field trial conducted by Filipino firm SL Agritech Corporation (SLAC) in Myanmar which yielded 150 metric tons (MT) of seed per hectare on 100 hectares in Yangon’s Dagon Township.

The SLAC successfully led last planting season a pioneering trial of hybrid rice seed SL-8H, branded “ Shwe Lar-SL-8H” in Myanmar.

Also planted were commercial table grade rice SL7H (Dona Maria Jasponica) on 11 hectares, SL-9H (Miponica) on 28 hectares, and SL-8H on 20 hectares.

“We can export our Dona Maria Jasponica and Miponica rice from Myanmar. Consumers in Myanmar may not want soft and sticky rice, but that is our opportunity to export rice harvested from there,” said SLAC chairman

Henry Lim Bon Liong.

The Philippines has limited flat land for rice, but Myanmar has around 17 million hectares (far bigger than other rice exporters) of uncultivated land that can be planted on rice.

Formerly Burma, Myanmar used to be world’s biggest rice exporters prior to World War II when it was then under British rule.

As another advantage, exporting rice from Myanmar carries preferential zero tariff for European destinations, according to Dr. Frisco M. Malabanan, SLAC technical consultant.

Other potential export destinations for Dona Maria rice from Myanmar are China and the United States.

When exported, Malabanan said the Filipino brand name Dona Maria premium rice should be retained as brand name for consistency in the world market.

Because it is only now

that agricultural land in Myanmar is being tapped, he said the soil is fertile.

“The area is very good for seed production. There’s enough water. The soil is very fertile and can be easily mechanized,” Malabanan said who disclosed that he led a harvest festival in Myanmar last May 7.

Visitors during the harvest festival were World Food Program Representative Nway Wyit Yee Zaw; Department of Agriculture Dagon Township Chief Officer U. Thwin Soe; Philippines Consul General to Myanmar Maria Lourdes M. Saskedo; SLAC hybrid rice breeder Dr. Weijun Xu, and SLAC Vice President Christian Brian Lim. The pilot planting in Myanmar was under a joint venture with private companies Nine Seas led by Aung Tan Ooand Water Stone led

by Filipino Norberto Ong. Expansion of hybrid rice

planting in Myanmar will likely be supported by microfinance function of Philippines’ microfinance leader CARD under CARD Myanmar Company Ltd. Meanwhile, Malabanan said SLAC recommends reduction in the next planting season of the AxR (seed production) area to 50 hectares due to shortage of workers.

“It seems there is a need to bring machine operators from the Philippines, three to five tractor operators to ensure good land preparation.

Weeds grew because land was not well-tilled (despite the already acceptable seed yield). The main problem is lack of skilled labor which is why SLAC is recommending training of farmers and laborers,” Malabanan said.

“If the farmers are not trained, they will not buy the seed. We also have to seek partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture for policy support,” he said. (PNA)

EDGEDAVAO

8 VANTAGE

EDITORIAL

S

VOL. 9 ISSUE 57 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2016

Consistency

HARED vision, integrity, competence, and willingness to sacrifice are among the main criteria for being named to the cabinet of presumptive President-elect Rodrigo Duterte whose theme of governance is changing the bureaucracy and getting rid of corruption.

Already, the incoming president has started forming his cabinet composed of men who presumptively possess the qualities set forth in his standards.

The latest to have been named to the cabinet positions were two politicians old and new--Rep. Mark Villar and former North Cotabato governor Manny Pinol.

Rep. Villar is the son of former Senate President Manny Villar and Sen. Cynthia Villar. The Villar family owns one of the biggest real estate development firms in the country.

Pinol is a former journalist-turned politician and was part of the Duterte campaign team. He authored the book outlining the Food Security Program of Duterte which was launched a few

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days before the elections.

While Pinol’s appointment was expected, Villar was a surprise choice surfacing only after the signing of the coalition between the Nacionalista Party (headed by the Villars) and the PDP-Laban for which Duterte was the party’s head.

While Pinol may have laid the foundation of his appointment by devoting time as a farmer after his political reign in North Cotabato, and becoming a diligent student of agriculture, Villar may be a controversial choice given the family’s business interests.

Another twist in Rep. Villar’s appointment is the technicality of his having been re-elected as Las Pinas representative, a position which under the law he will have to relinquish if he will choose to accept the DPWH portfolio.

The remaining positions yet to be filled should be of public interest as people are always weighing Duterte’s choices and decisions to that of his campaign promise and standards for selection.

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“I

NNER peace can be reached only when we practice forgiveness. Forgiveness is letting go of the past and is, therefore, the means for correcting our misperceptions.” – Gerald G. Jampolsky, author ofLove Is Letting Go of Fear *** The following happened during the American Revolution.

General George Washington, who would later become the first U.S. president, had a good friend, Patrick, a minister. Patrick had an enemy named ‘Robert,’ who did everything he could to abuse and oppose the minister.

After some years, ‘Robert’ was arrested for treason and sentenced to death. When Patrick heard of it, he walked almost 50 kilometers to the capital to plead for the man’s life. But Washington said, “No, I cannot grant you the life of your friend.”

“Who said that man is my friend?” Patrick asked. “He is the bitterest enemy I have.”

Washington was completely surprised. “You mean you had to walk almost 50 kilometers to save the life of an enemy?” he asked. “That puts the matter in a different light. I hereby grant him pardon.”

“Always forgive, but never forget, or else you will be a prisoner of your own hatred, and doomed to repeat your mistakes forever,” wrote Wil Zeus in Sun Beyond the Clouds. Bree Despain, in The Dark Divine, penned: “We don’t forgive people because they deserve it. We forgive them because they need it – and because we need it.”

Corrie Ten Boom once said: “Forgiveness is the key that unlocks the door of resentment and the handcuffs of hatred. It is a power that breaks the chains of bitterness and the shackles of selfishness.”

VOL. 9 ISSUE 57 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2016

VANTAGE POINTS

Learn to forgive The above THINK ON THESE! statement, which came from Clippings from My Notebook, reminded me of one of the anecdotes contained in 1000 Stories You Can Use by Frank Mihalic. It goes this way: Henrylito D. Tacio During the Vatican Council, henrytacio@gmail.com the Time magazine reporter, Bob Piser, had been very hard in his criticism of Cardinal Ottaviani, whom he regarded as the archenemy of progressive Catholicism. He became Bob’s scapegoat for anything archaic and old-fashioned in the Church.

Just before the second session of the Council, Bob got to Rome a week early and wanted to have an interview with Ottaviani. So he announced himself and stated his wish, and the American Monsignor, who was Ottaviani’s secretary, told him, “The nerve of you asking for an interview after all the nasty things you have written about the Cardinal. But, okay, I’ll go through the motions and ask, but you know what you can expect…”

He asked, and the Cardinal said in Italian, “Call him in.”

So Bob Piser was ushered into the tapestry-hung waiting room. In came Ottaviani, shook hands with Bob, and the Monsignor translated his words: “Mr. Piser you have written many things about me. I just wanted you to know that

9

many of them are not true. Now, what can I do for you?”

“Grudges are for those who insist that they are owed something,” wrote Criss Jami in Salomé: In Every Inch, In Every Mile, “forgiveness, however, is for those who are substantial enough to move on.”

“People have to forgive,” points out C. JoyBell, a noted author. “We don’t have to like them, we don’t have to be friends with them, we don’t have to send them hearts in text messages, but we have to forgive them, to overlook, to forget.

Because, if we don’t, we are tying rocks to our feet, too much for our wings to carry!”

During the Civil War in the United States, Abraham Lincoln had occasion, at an official reception, to refer to the Southerners as erring human beings rather than as foes to be exterminated.

An elderly lady, a fiery patriot, rebuked him for speaking kindly of his enemies when he ought to be thinking of destroying them.

“Why, Madam,” Lincoln told her, “do I not destroy my enemies when I make them my friends?”

Lance Morrow, author of The Chief: A Memoir of Fathers and Sons, reminded: “Not to forgive is to be imprisoned by the past, by old grievances that do not permit life to proceed with new business. Not to forgive is to yield oneself to another’s control... to be locked into a sequence of act and response, of outrage and revenge, tit for tat, escalating always. The present is endlessly overwhelmed and devoured by the past. Forgiveness frees the forgiver. It extracts the forgiver from someone else’s nightmare.”

Here’s what Wm. Paul Young, in The Shack, wrote: “Forgiveness is not about forgetting. It is

about letting go of another person’s throat. Forgiveness does not create a relationship. Unless people speak the truth about what they have done and change their mind and behavior, a relationship of trust is not possible. When you forgive someone, you certainly release him from judgment, but without true change, no real relationship can be established.”

“Forgiveness, in no way, requires that you trust the one you forgive,” Young further wrote.

“But should they finally confess and repent, you will discover a miracle in your own heart that allows you to reach out and begin to build between you a bridge of reconciliation.

“Forgiveness does not excuse anything. You may have to declare your forgiveness a hundred times the first day and the second day, but the third day will be less and each day after, until one day you will realize that you have forgiven completely.”

Jesus Christ is “the ultimate symbol of forgiveness,” to quote the words of best-selling author Laurie Beth Jones. In Jesus, CEO: Using Ancient Wisdom for Visionary Leadership, she wrote: “Forgiveness is like oil in an engine. It keeps the wheels moving. Forgiveness is like gravity… invisible in its power yet profound in its effects.”

According to Ms. Jones, Jesus “kept on believing in His staff. He kept on giving them chances. He had a true sense of ‘try, try again.’ He always gave people another chance.”

Remember Peter, who pledged eternal faithfulness to Jesus and yet he denied Him three times? “It must have been difficult for Jesus to forgive, yet He appeared to Peter and forgave him, asking him to show his love now by ‘feeding His sheep.’”

steel” equip him with both the technical and political will to move centers of governance to the country side, so that policies are formulated and sensible decisions are made close to where they can actually make an impact, and not just in the faraway palace by the Pasig river.

“4. And finally, in this emotionally-charged presidential elections, we witnessed how the Mindanao populace relentlessly campaigned and defended its maligned underdog candidate.

If President Duterte can harness this energy, transitioning the same from campaign to responsible citizenry, then indeed, change is coming

international logistics hub, as an international growth corridor, as a tourism powerhouse, as a manufacturing/processing hub, as a major supplier of management/skilled/semi-skilled manpower, and as home to an industrious, friendly and hospitable people—as well as to put in the necessary policy environment, funding, hard and soft infrastructure, implementation and monitoring mechanisms to realize this role.

He should probably start his anti-corruption and governance strengthening program in Mindanao, which could accelerate unleashing the island’s economic potentials.

Mindanawons weigh in on Duterte Presidency (Part 2)

JANICE FAY SEVILLA, former Mindanao NGO worker, currently works as communications specialist in United Safety, a Dubai-based company: “I read somewhere that the plebiscite on federalism will be held midterm. So maybe the first three years will be spent cleaning up the country and simplifying processes. I don’t expect a lot of focus (money) poured in the regions except for special funds. But after the referendum, and hopefully people will vote YES to a federal government, I would expect a lot more focus on the regions including Mindanao.”

FERMIN D. ADRIANO, Economics lecturer, UP Los Banos: “Mindanao will be given appropriate attention and budget for the realization of its full development potential. Finally after centuries of neglect.”

DES MENDOZA-LOPEZ, Manila-based sociologist who has worked extensively with Mindanao civil society: “The hope is that a Duterte presidency will be the response to the so-called Manila imperialism which has pervaded for so long. i just hope that the experience of this “marginalization of the rich”--Mindanao being so rich and yet so deprived because of this thwarted system ---will serve as Duterte’s guide to decision-making as regards development issues concerning Mindanao and the entire country in general. I hope he doesn’t lose that perspective of seeing the world from the margins so that whatever policy his administration makes will have teeth for the bit e.g. the Bangsamoro Basic Law, lumad issue the environment, etc.”

MONIQUE TEMPONGKO-VILLANUEVA, former senior staff, Medco, businesswoman: “Less than 24 hours after polls closed on May 9, I flew to Manila and took an UBER ride from NAIA 3 with, as fate would have it, a driver who hails from Cagayan de Oro. After disclosing that I, too, was a Mindanawon, we engaged in a light con-

COMMENTARY

BY NIKKI RIVERA GOMEZ gratulatory banter, until he posed the question: Ma’am, karon na nidaug na si Mayor Duterte, unsay epekto ana sa Mindanao? And, in the broken Bisaya that I could muster, I poured out my heart full of hope for Mindanao with a Mindanawon President.

“1. For Mayor Duterte, unlike all other Presidents before him, his knowledge of the Moro insurgency problem does not come from history books or security briefings, but from his living and breathing encounters with this reality as he keeps his city (and his region) sheltered from the effects of this war. Only a chief executive who has a personal appreciation of the Moro armed struggle, coupled with a genuine empathy for the plight of the Muslims, can arrive at REAL solutions that work - not just on paper, not just on the negotiating table with OIC countries, but in the everyday life of every Muslim man, woman, and child who yearns for peace.

“2. Federalism will liberate Mindanao from its umbilical cord to the Manila-centric national government. We will finally have a Mindanao governed by Mindanawons, whose progress and prosperity will not hinge on Malacanang’s favor, but on the judicious use of our natural and man-made resources, governance free from patronage politics, and the collective efforts of its citizens in the public and private sector.

“3. The Mayor said it himself in his Town Hall meeting at UP Diliman hosted by CNN Philippines - ‘Manila? Wala na yan.’ Referring at that time specifically to the traffic plaguing the Metro, his Southern perspective allows him to boldly challenge the notion that Manila is the center of our universe. This, plus his 30-year experience in all branches of government, and his “balls of

RONALD G. SISON, freelance development consultant: During the campaign period, various groups advised voters not to vote for their candidates only because they are from the same city/province. I would like to believe that, like myself, the Mindanawons (and non-Mindanawons) who voted for President-elect Duterte did so not only because he’s a Mindanawon but more importantly because he understands Mindanao’s (and also the Philippines’) problems and can offer pragmatic solutions.

For Mindanao, it’s peace and development.

They go hand in hand. Duterte knows that. That’s why his agenda is reconciliatory and unifying.

Open/Diplomatic discussions and compromise among the major stakeholders (CCP/NDF, MILF, MNLF, lumads, etc.) rather than war or military action. Previous administrations have attempted to do the same but with little success because their formulas were limited and less inclusive, talking to just one or two stakeholder groups and excluding the others, while playing an onand-off military game in between.

I would like to believe that on the strength of his federalism agenda, he understands that the key is to recognize Mindanao’s substantial role in the country’s economic growth--as a food basket, as a major export earner, as a strategic

PETER GONZALO SERENO, returning balikbayan to Mindanao: “The Duterte election will definitely accelerate the pouring of infrastructure projects. This is the natural ‘hometown’ effect as reflected by all previous presidents, more specifically for the first president to come from Mindanao.”

CHITO FUENTES, writer: Duterte enjoys a degree of trust more than any other President in the past simply because he is a Mindanawon. Except for the Lumad and the Moro who had lived in Mindanao all their lives and who do not trace roots to other parts of the country, majority came to Mindanao determined to start a new life on their own. Duterte enjoys a credibility among many of these residents because they know he is one of them. His vast experience not only as city mayor but as one who has gone out of his way to respond to challenges across the island has given him a wealth of knowledge and experience others do not have. These strengths put him in a far better position to address the needs of Mindanao and to give it the priority that the region has been denied since the republic’s inception.

(MindaViews is the opinion section of MindaNews. Nikki Rivera Gomez served as senior aide to then Presidential Assistant for Mindanao Paul Dominguez during the Ramos administration).

10 NEWS 2 MORE... FROM 1 be lying if I said that I was not happy with the appointment.”

In his FB page he said: “Deep inside me, I told myself wow, now I will be able to do what I had long wanted our agriculture officials to do which is to produce more food for the Filipinos and improve the lives of our farmers.”

Other than Villar and Piñol, only the appointment of Duterte’s former classmates Carlos Dominguez as finance secretary and Arthur Tugade as transportation and communication secretary, personal lawyer Salvador Medialdea as executive secretary, Peter Laurel as education secretary, counsel Salvador Panelo as presidential spokesperson, were confirmed.

Mentioned but still to

make acceptance were former secretary Jesus Dureza as presidential adviser on the peace process, Silvestre Bello III as chief peace negotiator with the National Democratic Front,and Gilbert Teodoro as defense secretary (the same post he held under the Arroyo administration).

Duterte’s running mate Sen. Cayetano also has to decide whether to accept the Department of Foreign Affairs or Department of Justice, but the latter is banned for a year from accepting executive posts.

Duterte also asked Perfecto Yasay, his roommate when he was taking up law at the San Beda College, to be the acting foreign affairs secretary even just for one year until Cayetano could assume a cabinet post.

“Visaya was the commander of the 69th IB, which was responsible for the brutal Hacienda Luisita Massacre in 2004. He is one of the protégés of Major Gen. Jovito ‘Butcher’ Palparan, whose stint as then commander of the 7th ID led to the formation of ‘Palparan battalions’, known for their great disregard of human rights and tagging of activists and community leaders as members of the underground armed groups,” Sheena Duazo, Secretary General of Bayan-SMR said in a statement released to media.

“The 69th IB was deployed to Davao City at the start of the AFP’s Oplan Bayanihan under the Aquino administration, claiming its purpose was to curb the growing revolutionary movement in the area. Contrary to these claims, the civilian population became the target of operations of the 69th IB. Civilian structures were forcibly occupied, and many were illegally arrested and charged with trumpedup charges as members of the NPA,” it added.

Bayan-SMR also pointed out that the victims of the 69th IB had repeatedly sought the aid of the then Mayor in the past, over the

military abuses they experienced.

“This is the same 69th IB that strafed the house of Aida Seisa, secretary-general of KMP-SMR, in Paquibato District, resulting to the death of her three civilian companions. Lest the Mayor forget, Seisa and the slain Datu Ruben Enlog repeatedly sat with the Mayor in many dialogues to help them with their militarized situation.”

According to Bayan-SMR, while Visaya was no longer in command of the 69th IB in their deployment in Southern Mindanao, his background and association with Palparan should be cause for worry on the side of the president-elect.

Bayan said Duterte can stop the impunity by addressing the roots of the armed conflict.

“Knowing Duterte’s commitment to peace, only by re-opening peace talks with the National Democratic Front can the roots of the armed conflict be resolved by tackling socio-economic reforms and human rights and justice for the poor,” said Duazo.

Visaya’s appointment is yet to be confirmed. NEILWIN JOSEPH BRAVO

DEVIL’S... FROM 1

Smart... FROM 14 Educate children Bate added that it is important for kids to be educated, too.

“Teaching them the values of respecting the environment at a young age goes a long way,” he said. “This gives them a deep understanding of the livelihood that keeps the community sustained.”

The kids, after being taught how to protect marine animals, took part in a coloring session that made them write down a promise for the environment.

Robert Aldous, a 13-yearold resident of the barangay was delighted in the learning session. “I promise to throw waste properly so that these will not be eaten by the dol-

phins,” Aldous said.

Kids were also given animal plush toys to remind themselves to love the inhabitants of the sea and to protect them.

To further reinforce environmental responsibility, learning materials (posters and workbooks), which includes informative coloring books especially published

by Smart and WWF for children, were also turned over to the barangay.

Apart from Project Connect, WWF also partnered with Smart to develop an SMS-based platform, Text-toDonate, which allows Smart and TNT subscribers to be part of the fundraising efforts of WWF for the environment, especially the Davao Gulf.

EDGEDAVAO

Duterte... FROM 2 produce food for 105 million Filipinos,” he said, praying that God will give him strength “so I would live up to the expectation of the new President and the Filipino people.”

Pinol’s political career suffered setbacks when he failed to regain as governor of North

Cotabato due to lack of money as against moneyed rivals.

“There will be sacrifices to be made like leaving my farm again to the care of people who have worked with me for so long and not seeing my chicken and plants every day,” he said. (PNA)

The IBP Board of Governors “adopted and approved the report of the CBD,” which suspended Aguado only for two years.

The CRI filed a motion for reconsideration (MR) praying for Aguado’s disbarment.

However, the IBP Board of Governors denied the MR. This prompted the CRI to file a petition for review before the SC, noting that “Atty. Aguado be meted out the penalty for disbarment for falsification of a PASG mission order and ID and for his involvement in the hijacking of the CRI delivery van and its cargo.”

The SC said that “[c]learly, Atty. Aguado committed the act complained of as it was established that he was in possession of a falsified ID showing him as a legal consultant of the PASG and mission order identifying him as the Assistant Team Leader of the anti-smuggling operation.”

It added that “[f]rom the foregoing, it can be clearly deduced that Atty. Aguado had participation in the crime as

charged in the complaint, from the planning stage up to its execution. These falsified documents found in his possession, as certified by the PASG, were used to facilitate the commission of the crime.”

The SC stressed that Aguado failed to rebut the allegations as he “presented no other convincing evidence to support his denial of the crime.”

“Because [Atty. Aguado] failed to live up to the exacting standards demanded of him, he proved himself unworthy of the privilege to practice law,” the SC said.

It said that “a membership in the Bar is a privilege laden with conditions, and granted only to those who possess the strict intellectual and moral qualifications required of lawyers as instruments in the effective and efficient administration of justice.”

Lawyers are “expected to maintain not only legal proficiency but also this high standard of morality, honesty, integrity, and fair dealing,” it added. (PNA)

tures, changes in levels and distribution of seasonal rainfall, high winter wind speed

and more extreme weather events,” Recoter said. (Che D. Palicte DA-11)

cal government here is keen in offering its green parks as an alternative sanctuary to these tiny animals. In the month of April 2016, three tarsiers were released in separate occasions at the Tagum Botanical Park in Barangay San Agustin.

The said park is a 31-hectare green space developed by the City Government of Tagum that is planted with local and foreign tropical trees. Hilly in nature, the park is blanketed with a canopy of trees that makes it perfect for a day of picnic or soul-searching.

While parts of the park is devoted for human activities (e.g. gazebos are installed in strategic areas where groups of people converge to eat or meet), a large part of the park is still devoid of human intervention. Because noise easily stresses tarsiers, the Tagum Botanical Park is a perfect place for them since it is peaceful and silent. It’s like an oasis from the hustle and bustle of this rapidly-changing urban center.

In February 2016, a farmer found female tarsier in Barangay San Agustin near the Botanical Park, a surprising indication that tarsiers may also have their population thriving in Tagum.

Unknowingly, two of the tarsiers (male and female) that were released in the said park

in March and April 2016 were not really found in Tagum. The two tarsiers were found in the towns of New Corella and Asuncion in Davao del Norte.

The persons that found them decided to turn them over to the City Government having known through television reports that the latter has a facility to take care of these animals. Mayor Allan L. Rellon welcomed this development and tasked the city’s environment and natural resources office to study on how the tarsiers found their way to Tagum and how the local government can help protect this endangered species.

A tarsier sanctuary in Tagum may sound cool but a veterinarian from the City Veterinary Office said it’s better to let the tarsiers live in their natural habitat. Asked by this writer on her advice to people who fill find a tarsier in the future, Dr. Guia Muring stressed that there is no need for humans to capture the tarsiers, unless if it is ascertained to be weak and needs veterinary care.

As of press time, there are already three known tarsiers that were released in Tagum Botanical Park. While a love triangle is in the offing, may they propagate and may they live happily ever after. (Louie Lapat/CIO Tagum)

SC... FROM 3

DA 11... FROM 6

Tarsiers... FROM 14

VOL. 9 ISSUE 57 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2016

District... FROM 4

DE Caballero, DE Placer, ADE Basanes and ADE Jaravata, we were together in the Regional Office. My fellow hardworking Regional Division Chiefs; Atty.

Zosimo C. Culla, Chief Administrative Division; Atty. Faith G. Macailing, Chief Legal Division; Engr. Teofila U. Tan, Chief Planning & Design Division, the wife of Engr. Jun Tan, who happens to be my Assistant DE when I was in Davao del Norte and now DE of Bukidnon; Engr. Rowena P. Jamito, Chief Maintenance Division; Engr. Elias P. Bermejo, Chief Construction Division; Engr.

Julius V. Anoos, Chief Materials Quality Control & Hydrology Division; and Madam Melinda M. Cabe, Chief Comptrollership Financial Management Division.

“Some of my classmates from grade school to high school from Ateneo are also here. I am just too glad to remember our happy days as only kids can understand, the seemingly aimless abandon and misadventures of youth.

Thank you so much for coming. For the information of everybody, we were the last barako who graduated in Ateneo at Jacinto Street, year 1967.

“During my 42 years of service, I have earned friends from the media who helped me a lot in the dissemination of information regarding projects and office activities, and now, I must thank you especially Tony Ajero, Rose Palacio, Jimmy Torres, Boy Bilaan, and many others from the print and broadcast, like ABSCBN and GMA. Marami pong salamat sa inyo.

“All of you, from my superiors to my fellow District Engineers, down to the rank and file, made me what I am. Yes, all of you and my dear friends outside of the DPWH whom I have befriended in the course of my work and has been part of my life and of my family – I shall always remember you, for you molded me, guided me with wisdom to be what I am now. You be the judge of whether I have accomplished my mission successfully as a government servant – though modesty aside, I can say without mental reservation that I have given my best to the service.

“But before I finally bow and exit out of the portal of government service, I would like to thank all of you for you have been a part of the most wonderful chapter of my life.

Thank you so much for your cooperation, for sharing your wisdom, time and effort to our common cause and goal to be of good service to our department, government and our constituents.

“May I take this occasion to ask those who I may have offended in the course of our work to forgive me because like you, I am also human and I too may have committed laps-

es and misjudgments.

“Let me also mention here that I have so much to thank all those who are involved in our effort to give to our constituents, the people of Davao City, the best infra projects – and I mean to thank the Contractors who are considered as our partners in development.

“My family and I would like to extend our most profound thanks to Regional Director Mariano R. Alquiza, ARD Tomas Rodriguez, to USEC’s: Raul C. Asis, who was also my classmate in Mapua, Maria Catalina E. Cabral, Ardeliza R. Madenilla, and of course, USEC Romeo S. Momo, my friend, and our boss, with whom I have shared work experience when we were still young engineers. He was then with the maintenance Section when Surigao del Sur was still a part of Region 11 and I was with the Maintenance Division at the Regional Office; ASEC’s Alfredo G. Tolentino, Emil K. Sadain. ASEC’s: Dimas S. Soguilon, our Regional Director before, ASEC Eugenio R. Pipo, Jr., Gilberto S. Reyes, and Elizabeth E. Yap. May I especially mention our Honorable Secretary Rogelio L. Singson, whose unselfish, unqualified support made it possible for me and my District office to deliver the much needed public service.

“To my Assistant District Engineer, Gregorio C. Yee, my staff: Marilyn L. Tan, Milagros E. Delos Reyes, Emilio P. Sucaldito, Jr., Edna O. Penley, and of course, Joey M. Jamito, who made all the decorations and arrangements here, thank you Joey, Perry Neil Palacio, Dwight J. Fernandez, my Chief of Staff, and Gigi Sorrera. Secretaries Charmaine P. Irag, Merissa Marcelino, Myra Josol, Kimberly Aure, Buena Alasagas and Ina Obillos – to all our employees, from Davao City and Davao del Norte and the Regional Office, you are beyond compare. You have given your share that is making the District Office and Regional Office function and work like a well-oiled machine. Thank you so much.

“Now I have to ask you to extend the same cooperation, the same quality of work or even more to whoever will replace me. I can now say without fear of contradiction and with all sincerity that I have fulfilled my task. Like the poet OMAR KHAYYAM, he said and I quote, “and my cup runneth over,” unquote, for I have given all that I can share in the name of public service.

“My fondest thoughts and my sincere wishes of success to my District Office, to the Regional Office, to my superiors, to my fellow District Engineers, and to all and everyone who make up this best Agency, the DPWH, I shall always be with you, for this is only farewell and not goodbye. “Mabuhay at Maraming, maraming Salamat Po Sa Inyo.”

culture stakeholders.

Hataman also recognized and honored the 2015

Agri-Pinoy Rice Achievers and the Agricultural Extension Workers. (PNA)

ARMM... FROM 4

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 57 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2016

Not just skin-deep

11 HEALTH

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

T

HE heart may be the most important organ but it is only fifth in the list of the largest organs; it weighs only 315 grams in males and 265 grams in females. The brain is the third as it weighs around 1.3 kilograms. The lungs come fourth: 1.1 kilograms. Weighing 1.6 kilograms, liver settles for second place.

The winner is of course skin. The average weight of skin in our body (if all the skin cells are lumped together) is about 10.9 kilograms.

Yes, you read it right!

This must be the reason why Health and Lifestyle, a magazine for health professionals, has come up with a special issue on skin.

Dr. Rafael R. Castillo, the magazine’s editor-in-chief, wrote: “Some have compared the skin to the icing on the cake, which should be most pleasing either by sight or touch. A good icing presupposes a good-tasting cake under-

neath. This may be too superficial an analogy, but it just highlights the importance of the skin, not only for aesthetic purposes, but as a firstline defense to protect the skeleton-muscular tissues and the internal organs.”

So, how important is our skin? “It serves many important functions, including regulating body temperature, maintaining water and electrolyte balance, and sensing painful and pleasant stimuli,” explains The Merck Manual of Medical Information.

“The skin keeps dangerous substances from

entering the body and provides a shield from the sun’s harmful effects,” it adds. “In addition, skin color, texture, and folds help mark people as individuals. Anything that goes wrong with skin function or appearance can have important consequences for physical and mental health.”

For the information of the uninformed, our skin has three layers: epidermis, dermis, and fat layer. Each has different tasks. The epidermis is water-proof; when undamaged, it prevents most bacteria, viruses and other foreign substances from entering the body. It also protects the

internal organs, muscles, nerves and blood vessels against trauma.

The next layer, called dermis, contains nerve endings, glands, hair follicles and blood vessels.

The nerve endings sense pain, touch, pressure and temperature. The sweat glands produce sweat in response to heat. The blood vessels of the dermis provide nutrients to the skin and help regulate body temperature.

The fat layer comes after the dermis. It helps insulate the body from heat and cold, provides padding, and serves as an energy storage area.

Protecting the skin is essential. But how to make it beautiful is a must, especially for women (and some men). In their collaborative book, Stay Younger, Live Healthier, authors Dr. Willie Ong and his wife, Liza Ong, shares some ways to have a skin that glows. These are: Avoid the sun: Sunlight is the primary cause of wrinkles and aging. Avoid the sun from 10 AM to 4 PM. Use a sunscreen daily that has at least an SPF (sun protection factor) of 30. If you’re riding a car,

have the windows tinted or place see-through window shades to minimize the sun’s rays.

Stop smoking and avoid alcohol: Cigarette smoking doubles the fine lines on your face. Smoking decreases your cell’s oxygen content and slows down the skin’s ability to repair itself. Constant puffing will cause wrinkles to form around the mouth area. Similarly, alcohol can damage your blood vessels and dehydrate the skin.

Be weather-conscious: The smoothest skin can be found in the buttocks area.

The reason: it is often protected from harsh weather, sun and dirt. Skin can be damaged by very hot or very cold weather. Strong wind, dust and pollution cause wrinkles to form in your face. By all means, avoid riding a motorcycle because the wind, sun and dust will damage the skin.

Get enough sleep: Sleeping and resting are the easiest way to boost your energies. At night, try to go for eight hours of sleep. This will help your body heal and give you a vibrant-looking skin.

Limit stress: Stress and too much work are factors that hasten the aging process.

Clean your face: Cleaning the face will remove dirt, leftover makeup and dead skin cells. The cheeks and neck areas are the usual dry area, while the eyebrows and nose area are the usual oily areas.

Be gentle: When touching your face, be sure to use gentle stroke. The skin around the eyes is particularly thin and prone to wrinkles.

Eat wisely: Eat lots of colorful fruits, vegetables and salads. Choose high-fiber foods. Drink ten glasses of water to keep your skin hydrated and firm.

Meanwhile, professional dermatologists and toxics activists have joined forces to back intensified action against mercury-laced skin whitening cosmetics. “While women of diverse socio-economic backgrounds use various cosmetics to achieve flawless porcelain skin, marginalized female population unduly suffer from the side effects of using cheap but unregistered skin whitening products with banned ingredients such as mercury,” they wrote in a joint statement.

We implore all Filipinos to be wary of the dark side of whitening one’s skin with mercury-added cosmetics, and to be happy and proud of our beautiful natural brown skin complexion

They added: “We implore all Filipinos to be wary of the dark side of whitening one’s skin with mercury-added cosmetics, and to be happy and proud of our beautiful natural brown skin complexion.”

(All photos were taken from the net)

12 CLASSIFIEDS

EDGEDAVAO

EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

EDGEDAVAO GENSAN PARTNERS Serving a seamless society

VOL. 9 ISSUE 57 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2016

INdulge!

VOL. 9 ISSUE 57 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2016

STYLE

Summer

STRIPES

SUMMER IS ALL ABOUT BRIGHT HUES AND ANYTHING UNDER THE SUN AS PLAINS & PRINTS ROLLS OUT ITS SUN COLLECTION. Look absolutely fabulous with a series of easy silhouettes with dynamic nature prints and geometric patterns basked in lustrous warm colours.

Bathe yourself in pieces with stripes of orange, tangerine, and ochre accented by striking cobalt and cerulean blues which are perfect for romps at the mall or even on a night out with the girls.

Check out these as well as the latest Summer 2016 collections by Plains & Prints at all Plains & Prints boutiques.

In Davao Plains & Prints is available at Chimes Sales, Felcris Centrale, SM City Davao, SM Lanang Premier, Gaisano Mall of Davao, and Abreeza Mall.

EDGEDAVAO

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

VOL. 9 ISSUE 57 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2016

STYLE

Native makes its footprint in Davao THE LONG WAIT IS OVER. Davao gets sweet as it heralds the coming of the Canadian shoe brand that everybody is talking about— Native Shoes!

The Native Boutique has opened its doors in SM City Davao and is here to stay!

Put together by a visionary team of stargazers and boundary breakers, Native Shoes has been redefining how footwear should look and feel like since it was created in 2009. This global brand aims to craft “Future Classics”—shoes that combine iconic silhouettes with the best of evolving technology. Their recipe of merging originality, innovation and liteness, have resulted in eye-catching shoes that are durable, comfortable and most of all, not afraid of a little mess.

The dual-density EVA technology used in Native shoes

make it odor-proof, waterproof and washable. With no worries of getting your shoes ruined, who wouldn’t want to go out and have some fun?

You can say yes to the mess and kick up your heels around a country known for its gorgeous beaches, sticky street food, all-night partying, and endless walking in cities and provinces. No heat, rain, or muddy road can stop you

from having a blast! When you have your Native shoes on, you know everything is really more fun in the Philippines.

Head on to your Native boutique, or any ResToeRun store to get your own unique pair of Native shoes. You can also LIKE us at Facebook and follow @nativeshoes at Instagram and be part of Native’s growing tribe of fun and fearless fashion-forward Filipinos!

Your Summer survival guide, all on your mobile THE SUMMER SEASON IS IN FULL SWING, and getting ready for it should be a whole lot of fun as we run down some of the best apps that would make for another remarkable summer! From apps to help you get that beach body, down to curating your soundtrack, check out how you can get things done right on your mobile device!

Achieve your #BeachBodyGoals Boracay? La Union? Baler?

El Nido? Whatever your destination, show off a healthier and fitter you with the help of the KFit App! It is a revolutionary work out app that helps you discover, plan, and book a variety of fitness, beauty and wellness activities.

Priced at Php 999 per month, you can download and book instantly via the mobile app to experience an array of workouts for you to try.

For real time stories and a

anyone can easily get the hang of Clash Royale and stay on it for hours! It is available on iOS or android devices. It is a fast paced, card based Player versus Player brawler. Collect clash troops and use them to conquer your opponent’s towers to win. Now this is something to keep you occupied for hours!

daily dose of funny Share real time updates with your friends and family through one of the coolest messaging apps today, Snapchat! The popular mobile app lets you share moments with friends and even view Live Stories from around the world. You can take a photo or a video with it,add captions or doodles and even interactive filters to lend your messages more humor when you send to friends. Alternatively, your snaps can be added to your “story”-- a 24-hour collection

of your photos and videos, which you broadcast to your followers. You can also follow your favorite Celebrities to see what they are up to!

Go get your game on!

For those days where you just want to take it easy, mobile games are just a tap away!

Recently, top game developer and creator of Clash of Clans, Supercell, released their breakthrough mobile game, Clash Royale that will surely get you playing nonstop! An uncomplicated strategy game,

For laidback staycations Staycations are also a good way to relax and catch up on your favorite TV hits and movie titles! Whether it’s alone time or a sleepover with friends, pop some popcorn and have an all-nighter with HOOQ. Asia’s first online entertainment video service gives you access to a library of thousands of international and local movies and TV series. Enjoy an assortment of feel good movies and catch up on the latest series such as Supergirl and Ash Vs. Evil Dead.

Curate your Summer

soundtrack From shedding those extra pounds to your trips and staycations, Spotify has you covered, to give you the latest tracks. With the ability to create your own playlist, Spotify, offers the best music experience with access to over 30 million songs! And instant soundtracks, you can check out some of their best playlists that matches every mood and occasion.

Experience all these apps on Globe Prepaid! As a Globe customer, KFIT is giving P300 off for every new sign up by using the promo code GlobeKFit for the Fitness Pass until May 2016. You can also create your own GoSAKTO promo to include Snapchat, Spotify and HOOQ. And on GoSURF50, you can level up on Clash Royale, and get free access to HOOQ or Spotify.

To know more about Globe Prepaid and its latest promos, visit, www.globe.com.ph/ Prepaid.

VOL. 9 ISSUE 57 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

ENTERTAINMENT

SKY showcases hit Pinoy blockbusters this May

EVERY MEMBER OF THE FAMILY CAN REJOICE as a string of hit Pinoy movies invades homes this May on SKY.

SKYcable and Destiny Cable subscribers who are huge fans of local movies are in for a big surprise as the critically acclaimed Star Cinema rom-com “Always Be My Maybe” top billed by Gerald Anderson and Arci Munoz becomes available for pay-perview until May 28.

Get access to the three-day and HD viewing of “Always Be My Maybe” by texting SUBSCRIBE followed by the 9-digit account number to 23662. The pay-perview is priced at P99 for SD and HD viewing.

Also set to make you laugh and giddy are successful MMFF 2015 entries airing back-to-back on payper-view are the well-loved romcom “Walang Forever” starring Jennylyn Mercado and Jericho Rosales and the thriller “Buy Now Die Later” starring Vhong Navarro, Alex Gonzaga, Rayver Cruz, and John Lapus.

Catch the unlimited three-day and HD viewing offer until May 28 by texting SUBSCRIBE followed by the 9-digit account number to 23662. It is priced at P199 for SD and HD viewing.

Free movies await SKYcable prepaid subscribers and SKYdirect subscribers this month as horror flick fans can get their fix via a free marathon of “Shake, Rattle, and Roll,” as parts 12 to 15 of the widely successful hit Filipino horror franchise airs back-to-back until May 31. Available load balance

Three times the fun on Tonight with Arnold Clavio

FAST-RISING COMEDIANS BOOBSIE WONDERLAND, ATAK, AND DONITA NOSE BRING “COMEDY TIMES THREE” to this Wednesday’s episode of Tonight with Arnold Clavio (TWAC).

Boobsie became popular for her comic antics as a giant baby. She returns to the show with new tricks up her sleeve while Atak and Donita Nose are joining the fun for the first time. Atak is known for being a mischievous baby and a minion, while Donita Nose is a familiar face in Wowowin. She does not only make the audience laugh, she wows them as well every time she sings high notes. The three will undergo TWAC’s “Bentang-benta” and “Nasubukan Mo Na Ba?” segments with Igan.

Find out as well who among the three has the most complicated yet funny love life.

Watch Tonight with Arnold Clavio this Wednesday (May 18), 10:15 p.m on GMA News TV.

until May 31 is needed to successfully watch the free movie marathon. For more information on this thrilling offer and more, text APPLY<space>NAME to 23662 for SKYcable Prepaid, or text 23668 for SKYdirect.

Don’t miss all these premium and world-class TV offerings this summer with the family only on SKY.

Meet Dr. Vicki Belo and Hayden Kho’s baby, Scarlet Snow NETIZENS WERE SURPRISED OVER THE BIG REVELATION OF SHOWBIZ COUPLE DR. VICKI BELO AND HAYDEN KHO ON SOCIAL MEDIA. The two announced on Instagram that they already have a beautiful baby girl named, Scarlet Snow Belo.

Dr. Vicki Belo shared on the photo-sharing app how their child changed their lives for the better.

She posted, “This is the sunshine of our lives. Meet our baby @scarletsnow33.

It’s amazing how this little

girl has affected @ dochayden and my life in such a positive way.”

M e a n w h i l e ,

Hayden Kho shares how fatherhood changed him.

“I guess God knew

fatherhood would change me completely and bring me closer to being the kind of man He always wanted me to be, so He sent me and Vicki an angel who is to be our lifelong inspiration. Ladies and gentlemen, meet our daughter, Scarlet Snow. @scarletsnowbelo” Last May 2015, an entertainment website reported that Dr. Vicki and Hayden opted for artificial insemination and hired a surrogate mother to have their baby. The couple neither confirmed nor denied the story.

May 18 – 24, 2016

X-MEN: APOCALYPSE James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence PG

11:00 | 2:00 | 5:00 | 8:00 LFS

X-MEN: APOCALYPSE 3D James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence PG

12:00 | 3:00 | 6:00 | 9:00 LFS

THE ANGRY BIRDS Jennifer Aniston, Julia Roberts, Kate Hudson PG

12:00 | 2:00 | 4:00 | 6:00 | 8:00 | 10:00 LFS

X-MEN: APOCALYPSE James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence PG

1:00 | 4:00 | 7:00 | 10:00 LFS

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

EVENT

Hospitality with a

HEART

HOUSE OF HOPE in Davao City has been home to children with cancer since 2004 and, over the years, has been a beneficiary of many charitable efforts by the Davao Children’s Cancer Fund, Inc. in partnership with Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao. To take part in its corporate social responsibility amongst the hospitality industry, the hotel intends to continually provide meaningful contributions in the communities where the company operates.

During this month’s Hermes Club meeting dated last May 06, Hotel Manager Bryan Lasala gave over a total of P60, 200 worth of cheque donation to Program Director-Pediatric Oncologist Dr. Mae Dolendo and one of DCCFI’s officers Ms. Arleen Aportadera.

Besides a P20, 000 donation, proceeds amounting to P40, 200 were from its most recent Room for A Cause initiative. This covered a two-month period from December 01, 2015 to January 31, 2016, which initiated that for every room booked per night, an amount of P200 will be given to the Kids of Hope, the children who stay at HoH. One of HoH’s ongoing local projects include the “Piso Mo, Chemo Ko” project, in which 100% of the proceeds will go to the kids’ diagnostics and continuing treatment. Launched last April 26 at the Abreeza Mall, coin banks were given to WIHD among other local partners. The said coin banks have since

been placed at the front desk lobby and four other counters in the property.

A guest’s peso a day could go a long way for the treatment of childhood cancer.

The concept of a transient home for children with cancer has inspired many – patients, families,

and communities alike.

This sanctuary brings hope and a healing environment for cancerafflicted children in Mindanao. For inquiries and donations, they may be reached at (082) 305 9390 or thru email@kidsofhope.org.

GENSAN PARTNER ESTABLISHMENT

DAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENT

VOL. 9 ISSUE 57 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2016

VOL. 9 ISSUE 57 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

WANTED 3 REPORTERS

EDGE DAVAO is in need of 3 reporters for immediate hiring. * College degree holder (Communication Arts graduate preferred, but not required) * Capable of writing English news and feature stories on business and governance * Has potentials of becoming editor * Single * Not more than 35 years old Entry pay negotiable.

Submit application letter and curriculum vitae to: Antonio M. Ajero Editor-in-Chief Edge Davao ajero_antonio@yahoo.com 09274733467

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

NEWS 13

Power supply stable amid scheduled outages – DOE

D

EPARTMENT of Energy (DOE) Secretary Zenaida Monsada expects the power supply situation will be stable for the coming months in the Luzon grid, amid the scheduled power plant outages, due to the expected nearing end of the El Nino phenomenon.

“The power demand will decrease... before El Nino the peak demand was around 8,800 megawatts (MW),” Monsada said.

She cited the Luzon grid had

a record power demand of 9,726 MW, with a forecast peak demand of 9,737 MW this week. However, Monsada said the 9,737-MW forecast demand is expected to decrease due to the weakening of the El Nino phenomenon.

The DOE chief explained the power-grid operator National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) scheduled the power plant outages away a week before and after the elections.

The secretary assured Luzon

also has a standby capacity from the Avion and San Gabriel natural gas-fired plants, Malaya oil thermal plant and oil-based Millennium Energy.

Monsada also said the Interruptible Load Program (ILP), which has a de-loading capacity of around 800 MW is also prepared to run. The ILP works with establishments and offices de-loading their consumption through the use of generator sets.

(PNA)

(CPJ) as the world’s worst politically-related violence against members of the press.

The victims – including the wife, relatives and supporters of Buluan town Vice Governor Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu --- were in a convoy on their way to the filing of the certificate of candidacy (CoC) for Maguindanao governor of Mangudadatu when attacked by the security force of the Ampatuans.

“Ayaw namin na maupo sya. Hindi natin alam kung ano ang magiging influence nya sa kaso, (We don’t want Panelo in the Duterte Cabinet. Being the lawyer of the Ampatuans, we can speculate how he could influence the

case),” according to Koronadal City school teacher Noemi Parcon, widow of Joel Parcon, publisher of weekly Frontera newspaper who also perished in the massacre.

The mother of another victim, Victor Nuñez of UNTV, Katherine Nuñez of Cagayan de Oro City, said lawyer Harry Roque, legal counsel of Justice Now Movement, will oppose the appointment of Panelo in the Duterte Cabinet.

The Duterte administration assumes office six years after the deadly massacre, with the relatives of the victims accusing the Aquino administration of foot-dragging on the case.

“Majority sa amin poor

pero hindi tanga (We are poor but we are not fools). Fifty eight (58) persons were killed but we are taken for granted!” said Salaysay who suspects bribery had been stalling solution of the case with some of the primary suspects being granted bail.

After assuming as the legal counsel of the Ampatuans, Panelo immediately declared to the media that his clients are being framed for a crime they did not commit.

Saying that the crime against the Ampatuans, Panelo effectively declared that the relatives and witnesses, some of whom have been killed and harassed, are lying about their testimonies.

utilization and management of the OWWA funds, and mandates the OWWA to maintain an interactive website to collect OFW feedback, comments, suggestions and complaints on existing programs and services.

“Gaano man kalayo ang mga OFW sa ating bansa, nais nating iparamdam sa kanila, sa pamamagitan ng batas na ito, na mayroon tayong gobyerno na nakikinig at agad tumutugon sa kanilang mga hinaing at problema. We should bet-

ter equip and strengthen the OWWA so it can truly fulfill its special duty of developing and implementing welfare programs and services that respond to the needs of its member-OFWs and their families,” Angara said. (Senate)

Kins... FROM 3

Greater... FROM 6

14 COMPETITIVE EDGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 57 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2016

COLORING SESSION. Children participants joined the coloring session that made them write down a promise for the environment.

Smart, WWF reinforce marine life conservation U

UN to launch fund to pay for educ for refugee children

R

ECOGNIZING the significant role of communities in environmental protection and conservation, PLDT’s wireless unit Smart Communications (Smart) and the World Wide Fund for Nature – Philippines (WWF-Philippines) recently held another Project Connect session in Barangay Fishing Village, Malita, Davao del Sur. Launched in 2010, Project Connect involves a series of workshops held nationwide to promote greener lifestyle among communities.

“Apart from helping increase

environmental awareness, the project aims to urge communities to take action and do their part as stewards of the environment,” said Smart Public Affairs Group Head Ramon Isberto.

Being a coastal area adjacent to the expansive Davao Gulf where 70 percent of the population are working fishermen, the learning session in Barangay Fishing Village mainly covered marine life and conservation topics. Children were taught to identify endangered marine animals while adults and barangay

workers were equipped with marine rescue response skills.

Monitor and report stranded marine animals During the learning session, Ruel Bate, unit head of environmental education of WWF, shared important guidelines on marine rescue and response, should endangered animals wind up stranded in shores.

“It is important for people to identify endangered marine life and to know what to do when these are in dis-

tress in shores,” Bate said.

He added that by immediately notifying marine experts, the community can keep people away from potential danger, while at the same time protect endangered marine animals which are vulnerable to intentional catching to be prepared as exotic dishes, or be turned to home decorations and accessories.

Reporting of stranded animals can also contribute to WWF’s growing data of endangered animals.

F SMART, 10

N’S Special Envoy for Global Education, Gordon Brown, announced on Monday plans to create a new fund to provide education to children caught up in humanitarian emergencies and conflicts.

The fund will be launched next week at a world humanitarian summit in Istanbul, Turkey. It is a result of a threeyear joint effort made by UN’s agencies – UNICEF, UNESCO, UN Refugee Agency – together with the World Bank, Global Partnership for Education and donors.

Former British Prime Minister Brown said the project would require USD3.86 billion over the next five years. Educa-

tion programs for Syrian children going to school in Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan would cost some USD800 million this year alone, he emphasized.

The UN-led initiative has the support of several donor countries and 60 companies, the UN envoy stressed, adding a clear target would be set by the beginning of the school year in September.

The United Nations estimates that around 30 million children have been forcibly displaced, some 20 million of them are of school age. A total of 75 million children living in humanitarian emergencies and conflict situations worldwide have only limited access to education. (PNA/Sputnik)

Tarsiers in Tagum Smart promotes use of mobile tech for health makes people pround D

T

HIS past month, Tagumenyos talked with so much excitement on the existence of tarsiers in the city.

Considered to be the world’s smallest primate, tarsiers are usually associated by Filipinos with the province of Bohol in the Visayas region. This probably explains why the news of tarsiers being released in one of the parks here created so much buzz.

So tiny you can hold it in your palm, a tarsier’s usual height is between 4 to 7 inches and only weighs 70 to 165 grams. Living on a diet of insects, the tarsier is mostly active at night. With their big eyes, they have a very acute night vision that makes them good night hunters. Their big ears can move in the direction of any noise. Their heads are capable to make a fast switch of 180 degrees, which make their hunting qualities high.

THREATENED SPECIES In the town of Corella in Bohol, a conservation sanctuary draws thousands of tourists to take a peek in the world’s smallest monkey.

It thus has become a mascot of Philippine tourism, but sadly being so comes with a hefty price.

Tarsiers are now included in the list of threatened species

by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, claiming that the animal’s forest habitats are being destroyed by logging, mining, agriculture and other human activities.

So how come these tiny nocturnal creatures found their way to Mindanao, in Tagum to be more precise?

Interestingly, tarsiers are not only confined in Bohol.

Accounts of nature conservationists point out that other places in Mindanao like South Cotabato, Basilan and Dinagat Islands are also considered home by tarsiers.

In Davao Region for example, the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) confirmed that colonies of tarsiers are found in Barangay Bobon in Mati City, Davao Oriental and in Barangay Suaon in nearby Kapalong town in Davao del Norte. In Calinan, Davao City, a habal-habal driver almost ran over a tarsier that passed by across the street.

These accounts manifest that indeed Mindanao is considered a sanctuary by the world’s smallest primate.

TARSIERS IN TAGUM? While tarsiers in Tagum are not really endemic to this rapidly urbanizing hub, the lo-

F TARSIERS, 10

RINKING contaminated water is one of the causes of dysentery, typhoid, cholera and various intestinal diseases that adversely affect the health, and in many cases, claim lives of countless Filipinos.

This real-world problem was the inspiration behind a group of students who won the grand prize in the recently concluded #thinkOPENhealth: Hackathon for Health, held at the Asian Institute of Management in Makati City.

Team Quantum Hackers, composed of physics students from the University of the Philippines Diliman, created a mobile device and app that analyzes water quality, besting 20 other teams composed of IT professionals and students as well as health professionals at the 24-hour hackathon organized by PLDT wireless unit Smart Communications (Smart), the Department of Health (DOH), and the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Research and Development (DOSTPCHRD) in coordination with SmartDevNet, the developer community of Smart.

Wireless device to test water quality Team members Norman Mascarinas, Kit Guial, and Junel Bacong came up with an affordable and user-friendly

a text message of up to 140 characters.

wireless sensor-based water quality testing device and app called Shine Herald that can test the salinity (saltiness) and turbidity (cloudiness) of water samples.

Using the device, health officials anywhere in the country can test water quality by themselves. The results can then be automatically transmitted as SMS to the DOH and the DOST in Metro Manila for analysis via a builtin Smart SIM card.

The group was inspired to build the Shine Herald device and app by Guial’s sister, a nurse, and his friend, a public health student at UP Manila.

“During medical missions to the provinces, they told me that before they could go there, they need to assess first the water quality. It was a long and tedious process.

Water had to be extracted

from the locality and brought to Manila for analysis. Only then can the medical team go to the area,” says Guial.

“Our goal is to identify which areas are prone to water-borne diseases. We want to equip these barangays with affordable and easy-touse tools to test and assess water quality. They just have to submerge the probe into the sample,” explains Mascarinas.

“We could deploy these devices to rural areas with the help of the DOH. We want to automate the entire water testing and analysis process,” says Bacong.

The portable Shine Herald device, which costs around P4,000 to construct, has a microcontroller that acts similar to a computer’s central processing unit (CPU). The team then wrote a program that can generate

Helping solve public health problems “This instrument is a step in solving public health problems in the country. If, for example, the water sample tested suggests the possibility of a dengue or diarrhea outbreak, barangay health officials can immediately ask for assistance. Lives can be saved if ample warning and countermeasures are set in place,” said Mascarinas.

The hackathon was designed for developers to create plug-ins for the SHINE OS+, an open-source electronic medical record system developed by the Ateneo Java Wireless Competency Center in partnership with Smart.

With SHINE OS+ app available for download for both Android and iOS devices, the goal of the hackathon is to connect and inter-operate different systems with SHINE, and create innovations that will assist government in improving healthcare services.

For bagging the grand prize, Team Quantum took home P100,000 in cash, plus assorted gadgets from Smart.

They also have a chance to be incubated by the DOH, the DOST-PCHRD and IdeaSpace, the incubator arm of the First Pacific Group in the Philippines.

VOL. 9 ISSUE 57 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2016

SPORTS15

EDGEDAVAO

LARO’T SAYA SA PARKE. This weekend’s attendance to the Laro’t Saya sa Parke was recorded at 1,112 in eight different disciplines. The City Sports Development Office reported 48 senior citizens joined the physical fitness and wellness program at the People’s Park. The biggest group was zumba with 780, followed by badminton with 58,

volleyball with 40, sepak takraw, futsal and taekwondo each had 39, arnis had 36 and rugby had 33. The weekend program is free to the public.

Lebron brushes We lost poise — Kerr, Curry off favorites tag O L

EBRON James once stood in Kyle Lowry’s sneakers.

Back in 2007, James, with a much thicker hairline and more hops than he has today, made his first appearance in the Eastern Conference finals and carried the Cavaliers past Detroit and into the NBA Finals for the first time. Nine years, five straight Finals appearances, four MVP awards and two championship rings later, James is again on the doorstep of the league’s showcase event.

It’s all new to Lowry, one of Toronto’s All-Star guards, and the Raptors.

Experience is just one advantage the Cavs will enjoy when they open the East finals Tuesday night (Wednesday, Manila time) against the Raptors, who have scratched their way through two Game 7s in this postseason and are on their deepest playoff run.

And although the Cavs are recharged following a nine-day break between playoff series and

have been in this spot before, James doesn’t think his or Cleveland’s postseason resume gives them any edge.

“It’s not an advantage,” James said after practice Monday.

“They’re here for a reason. You got to go out and play. They also played two seven-game series and we didn’t. So they can have the upper edge on that. So, there’s no advantage to either team. Both teams are 0-0 and it’s the first to four.”

The Cavs have yet to go five games in this postseason, completing four-game sweeps over Detroit and Atlanta. James has been his usual dominant self, averaging 23.5 points, 8.8 rebounds and 7.3 assists. But unlike last year when Cleveland lost Kevin Love in the first round to a shoulder injury and Kyrie Irving went down with a broken kneecap in the Finals, James isn’t on his own, which is why the Cavs are an overwhelming favorite to make their second straight trip to the title round.

seven steals in the opener of the Thunder’s fourth West finals in six years.

“We just stayed with it on the defensive end and when we got the shots late in the game we were able to focus in and knock them down,” Durant said. “We’re just a resilient group and keep fighting ‘til the end.”

Game Two is Wednesday night at Oracle Arena. If this one was any kind of preview of what is coming, this should be a dandy of a series between the NBA’s highest-scoring teams from the regular season.

“We’ve just got to compete,” Westbrook said. “It’s going to be a tough game. It’s a tough building.

They have a lot of great players on their team, but I know we’re a great team and when we put our minds to it, tonight we didn’t play our best game and we came out with a win.”

Steven Adams made a pair of free throws for Oklahoma City with 1:01 remaining, and Klay Thompson missed a reverse lay-in moments later on the other end.

Adams finished with 16 points, 12 rebounds and two blocked shots.

MVP Stephen Curry had 26

points and a playoff career-high 10 rebounds, but the Warriors missed too many shots down the stretch. The Warriors’ 42 second-half points and 14 in the fourth both were lows for this postseason.

“We got rushed and tried to go for the home-run plays.

Sometimes it works,” Curry said.

“Defensively we were getting enough stops and rebounds. We got out of character a little bit. It’s something we’ll learn from going forward.”

With his team down 105102, Steve Kerr begged for a traveling call on Westbrook at midcourt with 17.2 seconds left, with the NBA Coach of the Year signaling with his arms before going into a squat. Oklahoma City got a timeout instead. Westbrook made one free throw with 14.5 seconds to go.

“I do think we lost our poise a little bit,” Kerr said. “And that had a lot to do with the quick shots.”

Thompson scored 19 of his 25 points in the first half, but shot 3 for 10 over the last two quarters.

Curry’s 3-pointer to beat the halftime buzzer gave Golden State a 60-47 lead at the break.

the DL, while left-hander Tyler Skaggs is recovering from Tommy John surgery and left bicep tendinitis.

Richards had a stem-cell injection in his elbow Monday and there is no timetable for his return.

“Hopefully it’s going to be the course of action he needs to heal and get back to action,” Scioscia said.

Shortstop Andrelton Simmons had surgery Monday to repair a thickness tear of the ulnar collateral ligament of his left thumb, an injury he sustained in Sunday’s game at Seattle.

Longtime ace Jered Weaver has struggled

since going 3-0 with a 3.86 ERA in his first four starts.

The Angels earned a weekend road sweep at Seattle and are in third place in the AL West, trailing leader Texas by 5-1/2 games.

They open the four-game Freeway Series against the Dodgers in Los Angeles on Monday night.

Returning Tiger progressing nicely

Fil-Am Lincecum nears deal with Angels T

HE injury-riddled Los Angeles Angels are closing in on a deal to sign two-time Cy Young Award winner Tim Lincecum, a free agent trying to come back from hip surgery, according to a person with knowledge of the negotiations.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on Monday (Tuesday, Manila time) on condition of anonymity because no deal had been announced.

The Filipino-American Lincecum tossed 41 pitches on May 6 for about three dozen scouts representing nearly every major league club in Scottsdale, Arizona, the spring training home of the San Francisco Giants. That’s the only team the 31-year-old righthander has ever pitched for.

Lincecum won the National League Cy Young Award in 2008 and 2009 and made four AllStar Game appearances.

He helped the Giants win three World Series titles in five years,

and he had a pair of no-hitters against San Diego during an 11-month span between the 2013 and 2014 seasons.

The Angels have been hardhit by injuries, with seven players currently on the disabled list.

They were forced to trade one of their minor league players last week to acquire a fifth starter to complete the rotation, making it possible Lincecum could become a starter.

“You’re looking at a lot of depth that we were counting on this year that is not there. We’re not sure when it’s going to reemerge,” manager Mike Scioscia said. “You can’t get through a whole season with five and right now we’re pretty thin.”

Right-handers Garrett Richards and Huston Street and lefthanders Andrew Heaney and C.J. Wilson are o n

Durant scored to get his team within 88-85 going into the final quarter, and then knocked down a tying 3 just 12 seconds into the fourth. Dion Waiters’ layup at 10:30 put the Thunder ahead for the first time since the opening quarter.

Westbrook missed nine of his first 10 shots before finding a groove and scoring 19 points in his team’s 38-point third quarter.

His jumper with 5:03 left pulled Oklahoma City to 73-68 before Thompson answered two possessions later. Westbrook stole the ball from Green and drove the length of the court for a dunk at the 3:07 mark of the third, and that helped swing momentum.

Durant, Serge Ibaka and Adams each had double-digit rebounds — a focal point for Golden State after the Warriors won 121118 in overtime on Curry’s long game-winner at Oklahoma City on Feb. 27 despite being outrebounded 62-32.

Westbrook took a hard hit to the face by Andrew Bogut for a foul ruled a Flagrant 1 after a review at the 5:37 mark of the first quarter. Trainers checked Westbrook’s mouth.

UTSIDE his locker room, first-year Oklahoma City coach Billy Donovan received a round of handshakes and hugs for pulling off something no other team has this postseason.

The Thunder beat the defending champs at Oracle Arena.

Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and Oklahoma City dazzled in the fourth quarter the way the Warriors have done so many times during their record-setting season, rallying from 14 points down for a 108-102 victory in Game One of the Western Conference finals on Monday night (Tuesday, Manila time).

“You have to have a mindset coming into these kinds of venues. Our guys, I think they understand what they’re walking into,” Donovan said. “You don’t just walk in here say, ‘Oh, everything’s going to be OK.’ You have to have a mindset to understand. The first thing is to embrace the fact it’s going to be hard.”

Durant scored 26 points and made a key 17-foot jumper with 30.7 seconds left, while Westbrook scored 24 of his 27 points in the second half. Westbrook also had 12 assists and

ALMOST A DONE DEAL. Los Angeles Angels are closing in on a deal to sign two-time Cy Young Award winner Tim Lincecum, a free agent trying to come back from hip surgery, according to a person with knowledge of the negotiations.

SLOWLY PROGRESSING. Tiger Woods is beginning to get back in shape.

T

IGER Woods grimaced as he took three warmup swings after sitting in a chair for 30 minutes on a cool, blustery Monday morning at Congressional (Tuesday, Manila time) talking about his upcoming tournament. Hitting a ceremonial shot from a forward tee on the par-3 10th hole, he chunked his first attempt into the pond short of the green.

He asked for another ball.

That one splashed, too. With officials from his foundation egging him on, he tried one more time.

The last one cleared the pond, but not by enough. It landed on a steep bank and rolled down into the water.

His efforts at Congressional — home to the Quicken Loans National, which he hosts and which benefits his foundation — put to rest most of the lingering questions about whether he’ll be ready to return to competitive golf anytime soon.

“I have been practicing at home, and I’m progressing nicely.

I’m hoping to play,” Woods said.

“That’s the overriding question I keep hearing: When are you coming back, when are you playing? I get it all the time. If I knew, I’d tell, you, because it’d be fun to know.”

Woods, who underwent two back surgeries last fall, said he’s getting stronger and hitting the ball better. The tournament at Congressional will be played June 23 to 26, the week after the US Open, and it certainly appears that Woods will attend only in a noncompetitive role.

Woods, 40, hasn’t played since last August, and he’s fallen to no. 524 in the world ranking.

He said Monday he can’t spend nearly as much time practicing as he used to. He’s been playing friendly games at Medalist, his home club in Florida, but he’s yet to play 18 holes, although he said he’s physically capable of playing a full round.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

THUNDER STRIKES OKC takes series opener over Warriors

VOL. VOL.99ISSUE ISSUE57 57••WEDNESDAY, WEDNESDAY,MAY MAY18, 18,2016 2016

K

EVIN Durant scored 26 points and made a key 17-foot jumper with 30.7 seconds left, and the Oklahoma City Thunder handed the Golden State Warriors their first home loss of the playoffs with a 108-102 victory in Game One of the Western Conference finals on Monday night (Tuesday, Manila time).

Russell Westbrook scored 24 of his 27 points in the second half for Oklahoma City, which trailed 60-47 at halftime.

Westbrook also had 12 assists and seven steals in the opener of the Thunder’s fourth West finals in six years.

“We’ve just got to compete,” Westbrook said. “It’s going to be a tough game. It’s a tough building. They have a lot of great players on their team, but I know we’re a great team and when we put our minds to it, tonight we didn’t play our best game and we came out with a win.”

Game Two is on Wednesday at Oracle Arena.

If this one was any kind of preview of what is coming, this should be a dandy of a series between the NBA’s highest-scoring teams from the regular season.

Steven Adams made a pair of free throws for Oklahoma City with 1:01 remaining,

and Klay Thompson missed a reverse lay-in moments later on the other end.

MVP Stephen Curry had 26 points and a playoff career-high 10 rebounds, but the Warriors missed too many shots down the stretch.

With his team down 105102, Steve Kerr begged for a traveling call on Westbrook at midcourt with 17.2 seconds left, with the NBA Coach of the Year signaling with his arms before going into a squat.

Oklahoma City got a timeout instead. Westbrook made one free throw with 14.5 seconds to go.

Thompson scored 19 of his 25 points in the first half, but shot 3 for 10 over the last two quarters. Curry’s 3-pointer to beat the halftime buzzer gave Golden State a 13-point lead at the break.

Durant scored to get his team within 88-85 going into the final quarter, and then knocked down a tying 3-pointer just 12 seconds into the fourth. Dion Waiters’ layup at 10:30 put the Thunder ahead for the first time since the opening quarter.

Westbrook missed nine of his first 10 shots before finding a groove and scoring 19 points in his team’s 38-point third quarter. His jumper with 5:03 left pulled Oklahoma City to 73-68 before Thompson answered two possessions later.

Westbrook stole the ball from Green and drove the length of the court for a dunk at the 3:07 mark of the third, and that helped swing momentum.