Edge Davao 5 Issue 101

Nalipay ang mga pro-RH, maguol ang mga anti.

EDGEDAVAO P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

VOL.5 ISSUE 101 • JULY 24, 2012

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P-Noy’s 3rd SONA

‘Nod’ to RH bill most applauded P

resident Benigno “noynoy” Aquino iii has advised his countrymen to practice responsible parenthood in his third state of the nation Address (sona). it was probably the most applauded

Property

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Sports

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portion of the one-hour-anda-half speech of the President, who at 52, is still a bachelor.

Aquino shifted from boasting of upgrades in the country’s education system to taking a stance, although not quite di-

rect, on the highly controversial reproductive Health Bill, saying that responsible parenthood was the answer to many of the country’s problems.

“Bago matapos ang susunod na taon, ubos na ang minana

nating 66,800 na kakulangan sa silid-aralan. Ang minana po nating 2,573,212 na backlog sa upuan, tuluyan na rin nating matutugunan bago matapos ang 2012. sa taon din pong

F’NOD’, 13

More drug courts, judges needed

PROTEST. Militant groups stage a protest rally yesterday along Roxas Ave. to condemn the policies of the current administration. [LEAN DAVAL JR.]

By Lorie Ann A. Cascaro

R

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egional Director leo Carrillo of the Probation and Parole administration, an agency of the Department of Justice in Region 11, bared Monday that Davao needs more courts, especially drugs and family courts, although he does not

n RD Leo Carrillo says each Davao court handles 500-600 drug cases know the extend of the shortage.

Carrillo who guested at the Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City yesterday to announce the activi-

ties of his agency’s 36th founding anniversary this week said that there is likewise an acute shortage of judges because very few law

practitioners apply for the many vacancies. “i’m really sure the region lacks courts. They (judiciary) themselves admitted there is shortage,” he told reporters.

Carrillo said there is need for

FMORE, 13

2

THE BIG NEWS

VOL.5 ISSUE 101 • JULY 24, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Peasant women remain landless

By Lorie Ann A. Cascaro

P

eAsAnt women in the davao region joined a nationwide protest rally yesterday to express the genuine state of the Filipino nation, contrary to the highly applauded state of the nation Address (sona) of President Benigno Aquino iii.

Malen Uyanguren, spokesperson of the Amihan or national Federation of Peasant Women – southern Mindanao, said until now, women are continuously deprived of land to till due to entry of big plantations, mining corporations and land conversions. “the government’s agrarian reform is a sham. the Comprehensive Agrarian reform Program (CArP) was a big failure,” she said in her speech at rizal Park, davao City. she cited the continued incursion of lands by big corporations for their plantations such as banana and pineapple among other export agricultural products.

Amihan has been pushing for a genuine agrarian reform program (GArB), proposed by representative rafael Mariano of the Kilusan ng Magbubukid sa Pilipinas (KMP) and other representatives from progressive bloc, and is still pending in the House of representatives.

Meanwhile, Mariano, said in a statement, that Aquino should distribute Hacienda Luisita and “stop his family’s maneuvers to resist land distribution.”

“Up until now, the presi-

dent’s family refuses to distribute Hacienda Luisita to its rightful beneficiaries. in fact, Aquino is condoning the Cojuangco-Aquinos illegal and immoral stronghold of the land estate. Luisita’s distribution is all the more made difficult by legal obstacles imposed by the department of Agrarian reform (dAr) and the bogus Comprehensive Agrarian reform Program extension with reforms (Carper),” Mariano said.

Aside from big plantations, mining and land conversion continue in the region, tony salobre, spokesperson of KMP southern Mindanao, said, citing the entry of four to five largescale mining corporations in Marilog district, davao City.

According to Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAn) southern Mindanao, the regional issues depict the worsening plight of workers, farmers, the urban poor, consumers, and intensified threat to the environment.

BAYAn sMr, during the rally yesterday, burned an effigy of a bulldozer-cum-war canon to demonstrate their protest against the plunder, exploitation, and state of impunity.

Before joining the multisectoral protest at rizal Park in the afternoon, some 300 small-scale miners from Pantukan, Compostela Valley staged a “pre-sona picket” at the Mines and Geosciences Bureau regional office.

SouthCot shuts down 40 unlicensed ore plants

M

ininG regulators in south Cotabato have ordered the closure of 40 unlicensed or unregistered ore processors and ball mills in t’boli town as part of the provincial government’s crackdown against illegal small-scale gold mining and processing operations in the area. south Cotabato Gov. Arthur Pingoy Jr. said Monday the Provincial Mining regulatory Board (PMrB) approved the closure of the unlicensed ore processing plants after their owners failed to obtain the necessary permits and licenses despite an earlier directive from the local government.

“We have to make this move to show to them that we are serious and determined to cleanse the area of all illegal mining and processing operations,” said the governor, who chairs the PMrB. A report from the Provincial environment Management Office (PeMO) showed that there are at least 100 processing plants based in

t’boli town but only 86 have obtained permits to operate. in January, the provincial government issued a stoppage order against the unlicensed ore processors and ball mills in the area and issued notices to their operators to comply with the local government’s regulations or face closure Pingoy said the stoppage order is pursuant to Provincial Ordinance no. 7, series of 2003, which sets the “taxes, fees, charges and other impositions on small-scale mining, mineral processing operations and transporting of mineral ore within the province of south Cotabato.” “this ordinance strictly prohibits the extraction and processing of ores without proper permits and payment of necessary fees to the provincial government,” he said. engr. siegfred Flaviano, acting PeMO chief, said the issuance of the closure order was part of the local government’s efforts to properly regulate all small-scale mining and related activities within the province. [PNA]

TOP SCHOOL. Dr. Jonathan Alegre, president of the Davao Medical School Foundation, center, bares that DMSF is ranked 6th among 40 medical schools in the country during the Kapehan sa Dabaw yesterday at SM City Davao.

With him are Dr. Rosanna Bitoy, Dental Batch 87 president (right) and Dr. Luz Acosta, Medicine Batch 87 president. [LEAN DAVAL JR.]

NOAH to help LGUs save lives, property in disasters

t

He department of science and technology (dOst) recently launched nOAH project, named after a Biblical character, noah, who built a ship to save human race and wildlife from the deluge spawned by 40 days and nights of continuous rain. the national Operational Assessment of Hazards and risks or nOAH will help local government units (LGU) improve and strengthen their capacity to manage disasters, according to dOst 11 regional director Anthony C. sales. sales added that this nationwide disaster mitigation system will help LGUs minimize casualties and property loss during catastrophic events. nOAH is “a program designed to serve as sentinel or watchman that will ad-

dress the serious challenges brought by extreme hazard events,” dr. sales said. this two-year project will provide high-resolution flood hazard maps and install 600 automated rain gauges and 400 water level measuring stations for 18 major river basins of the Philippines, including davao river Basin and tagum-Libuganon river Basin in davao region. nOAH has seven components, including Hydromet sensors development, drAM-Lidar, Floodnet, Hazards information media, Landslide hazards mapping, doppler system development, and storm surge inundation mapping. data on nOAH may be viewed in its website: http://noah.dost.gov.ph/.

“This is specifically to enable the Philippines’ warning agencies to pro-

vide a 6-hour lead-time warning to vulnerable communities against impending floods and to use advanced technology to enhance current geo-hazard vulnerability maps,” sales said in a statement.

He said the project is dOst’s response to President Benigno Aquino iii’s instructions to put in place a responsive program for disaster prevention and mitigation.

Meanwhile, the regional disaster risk reduction Management Council (rdrrMC) said earlier LGUs, including barangays, should strengthen their preparation and capacity to respond to disasters, and plan ways on evacuating their constituents from risk areas. in doing so, LGUs should utilize scientific data produced by the Mines and Geo-sciences Bureau

(MGB) and the Philippine institute of Volcanology and seismology (Phivolcs) in their local planning, according to national economic and development (nedA) regional director Ma. Lourdes Lim. Geo-hazard maps showing level of risks to landslides and flooding are provided by MGB to guide LGUs in their disaster and risk management planning, as well as lists of earthquake-prone areas are obtained from Phivolcs.

Lim added that LGUs will be assisted by nedA in mainstreaming the concept of the disaster risk reduction management and adaptation, in local development planning processes, through a project funded by the United nations development Program (UndP) and the Australian Agency for international development. [LoRiE A. CAsCARo]

tal amount due of P748.03 million in principal, interest and collectible penalties since the Condonation Program started last April 2, 2012. Penalties condoned amounted to P426.83 million.

“Members only have three months left to apply for amnesty before it ends on september 30. Otherwise, they’ll have to pay the full amount of penalties, making it much harder for

them to settle their loan obligations and risk having these deducted from their future benefits,” he said. the sss waives 50 to 100 percent of penalties incurred by members availing themselves of the program. Full payments from 35,644 borrowers reached P378.44 million and sss stands to collect P369.58 million from 23,351 members who have started their monthly amortization,

based on total availments as of July 2.

De Quiros said the SSS posted an average of 19,665 availments per month under the current program. it was higher than the monthly average of 11,903 availments under the past four implementations of its amnesty on loan penalties for individual members , which spanned a total of 63 months within september 2003 to October 2009.

SSS amnesty program attracts 59,000 availments in 3 months

t

He social security system (sss) has granted partial to full amnesty on loan penalties to 58,995 delinquent borrowers who availed themselves of the agency’s Loan Penalty Condonation Program, which is now halfway through its sixmonth implementation.

According to sss President and Chief executive Officer Emilio de Quiros, Jr., the pension fund recorded a corresponding to-

EDGEDAVAO

THE BIG NEWS

VOL.5 ISSUE 101 • JULY 24, 2012

3

An Edge Davao exclusive

The hunchbacks of Dame Sara

By Leandro Daval Jr. and Lorie Ann Cascaro

i

F YOU’re looking for an indication of the davao City government’s concern for persons with disability (PWd’s), you’ll found one in the employment of many hunchbacks in city hall. davao City Mayor sara duterte-Carpio has employed 15 of them. they are hired to assist people who transact business at city hall but do not know their way around. some of them are assigned to various tasks in the People’s Park.

We talked to four of of them about their dreams in life and what they are doing right now. the others declined to be interviewed saying they were busy and one said he was too insignificant to be publicized.

Magdalena s. sebumpan, 56-year old single parent of one, is a high school graduate. she has been a job order (contractual) employee for four years as public information desk attendant at the city hall.

Called “Astig Mama” by friends and foes, Magdalena admits she’s raising her kid by herself. “i hope Mayor inday will make us permanent employees of the city government,” she said in english. encerita L. Lahot, 36, also a high school graduate and still single, also man the public information desk. she is also a “job order” employee for three years now. she told edge davao, the job helps her financially.

“i’m working not only for myself, but also for my epileptic brother because both of us have been orphaned long ago.” rico B. nueque, 33, is an elementary school graduate and still single, also an attendant at the city hall’s public information desk. Like Ms lahot, rico has been a job order worker for three years now. the employment, rico said, is a big help. “i have a widow sister that i help. i have volunteered to shoulder the school ex-

penses of my her kids,” he said.

Jolan nacarcio, 37, is a high school graduate and single. He has been attendant at the People’s Park. With his salary as such, Jolan helps his parents with the house expenses. “tabang sad ko sa akong mga igsoon sa ilang mga panginahanglan.(i also help my siblings in their needs)” he said.

Jolan is also hoping that his job in the city government will help him find a girl friend.

Encerita Lahot Helping epileptic brod

Jolan Nacario Looking for a girlfriend

Magdalena Sebumpan Astig Mama

Rico Nueque Sending kids to school

ler said.

As the administatrix of the nueno estate, Cutler said the owner’s duplicate of the lot’s title, no. t-345667, was released to her by the registry of deeds of davao City and “which should be reflected in the records of the said office.” to her “shock and dismay,” however, Cutler said she discovered last week that the title – no. t-345667 – had been cancelled by the registry of deeds of davao City and that another title in the name of a certain ricardo U. estoperes had been issued in lieu of it. she said that she found out that a certain Alexander L. VillaAbrille had executed a “falsified” and “perjurious” affidavit of loss claiming that the owner’s duplicate title no.t-345667 had been lost “when in truth and in fact the

said owner’s duplicate is still intact and existing in my possession.” she said that this should have been clear in the records of the registry of deeds of davao City as the same owner’s duplicate copy was issued to her by then acting register of deeds Florenda F. t. Patriarca. in a three-page affidavit of adverse claim executed last July 18, 2012, Ms Cutler said she suspected that the fraudulent transaction is the handiwork of “a group of impostors, pretending to be heirs of the late Maria Villa Abrille led by a certain ernesto Villa Abrille and necito Villa Abrille.” she said this group filed, and tried to intervene, in several cases involving the estate of Maria Villa Abrille, trying to enforce claims over

He said that his mobile phone number is 09286911423. teogenes s. Comiling, president of the davao City Federation of PWds, earlier said thecity government has complied with the requirement of the law to employ PWds, saying that that there the city’s 35 regular employees and some 160 job orders are PWds. Most of the PWds employed, Comiling added, are polio victims, amputees and those who have other orthopedic disorders.

Visually-impaired were given financial assistance by the city government for training as masseurs, Comiling said, adding that they are now required to hold license from the department of Health, through a training with the technical education and skills development Authority (tesdA). in celebration of the 34th national disability Prevention and rehabilitation Week (July 17-23), the dOLe 11 and the local government of davao City provided an opportunity employment to PWds in the city through an exclusive jobs fair on July 20 at the sangguniang Panglunsod. saying that private companies will participate in the jobs fair for PWds, Comiling mentioned that some 5,000 PWds are registered in the city federation, however, they only comprise less than two percent of the total number of PWds identified.

GREEN BUILDING. Dr. Oliver Victoriano, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Davao Medical School Foundation, holds a picture of the proposed 12-storey DMSF green building during Kapehan sa Dabaw yesterday at SM City Mall Davao. [LEAN DAVAL JR.]

Continuing demolition

‘IGaCoS’ shoreline not a public toilet’

“A

PArt from turning the coastal areas into danger zones, we don’t want our coastlines to become a huge public toilet like what happened in Boracay island.” this in effect was the statement of Cleto B. Gales Jr., administrator of the island Garden City of samal, in partly explaining the ongoing massive demolition of illegal shelters along the coastlines of iGaCos. Actually, the demolition has been ongoing for five years now, Gales said, adding that the informal settlers affected are assured of a relocation site.

He also said that the demolition activities are closely coordinated with the housing agency and the Human rights group

“to make it a peaceful and violence-free dismantling of structures.”

Gales said the city government has already been able to relocate several communities, but admitted that there remains to be a backlog of 8,000 informal settlers that need to be relocated.

He said iGaCos has slowly become a favorite refuge of informal settlers from the mainland. still part of the housing program, Gales said the city government is now also developing another relocation site for around 270 lots in Babak. in this connection, he said iGaCos will sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the na-

in Civil Case no. 28,951-2002 before the Branch 15 of the rtC of davao City which was denied by the said court which denial was also affirmed by the Court of Appeals in CA-G.r. sP no. 83036.

--A Motion to intervene in sP PrOC.no. 13, the estate proceedings of Maria dominga Chicote nueno before Branch 2 of the rtC of tagum City, which was denied by the said Court and which denial has also been affirmed by the Court of Appeals in CA G.r.

CV no. 00058-Min. --A Motion to intervene in PenrO CLAiM no. 11240398-07 before the denr which was also denied by the said office. in fact, she said the decision of the Court of Appeals in CA-G.r. sP nO. 83036 (Annex “F”) where the impostors, led by ernesto Villa Abrille were

the petitioners, the said court clearly ruled that “to finally settle this present controversy, this Court categorically holds that petitioners do not have any right or interest in the estate of the late Maria Vila Abrille, much less in Lot 112-A. there is no dispute that the last will and testament of the late Maria Villa Abrille had already been admitted to probate, where the late Maria dominga Chicote nueno was instituted as the late Maria Villa Abrille’s sole and universal heir.” it appears, Cutler charged, that ernesto Villa Abrille, allegedly representing other persons, had also executed a falsified extrajudicial settlement of estate which led to the issuance of title no. 146-2011003386 of the registry of deeds of davao City. [AMA]

F’IGACOS, 13

Lady shocked over change of title, sale of lot A

PrOMinent long-time davao City resident complained last week that a valuable piece of land in the center of the city belonging to the estate of her grandmother has been sold to a couple through fraudulent means by what she alleged to be a group of impostors.

Complainant Gerundia “ruding” Cutler said the prime lot whose area is 576 square meters at the corner of Anda and rizal streets worth millions of pesos is among the properties of the estate of Maria dominga Chicote nueno. nueno is the sole and universal heir of the late Maria Villa Abrille in the probate of Villa Abrille’s last will and testament covered by a decision dated July 17, 1967 issued

by Judge Alfredo i. Gonzales of the then Court of First instance in davao City, Ms Cut-

the property covered by title no. t-345667 in the name of the late Maria Villa Abrille.

However, the group lost these cases one by one, she said. in her affidavit, Ms Cutler enumerated these cases as follows: --Civil Case no. 29,0052002, for quieting of title, damages, etc before Branch 33 of the rtC of davao City which was dismissed by the said court which dismissal was affirmed with finality by the Court of Appeals as CAG.r. sP no. 82540; --Civil Case no.

29,312,02, which is essentially, before Branch 16 of the rtC of davao City which was dismissed by the said Court and which dismissal was also affirmed by the Court of Appeals in CA-Gr no. 80178.

--A Motion to intervene

4

THE ECONOMY

Stat Watch

1. Gross National Income Growth Rate (At Constant 2000 Prices)

3.5% 4th Qtr 2011

2. Gross Domestic Product Growth Rate (At Constant 2000 Prices)

3.7% 4th Qtr 2011 USD 3,342 Million Nov 2011 USD 4,985 Million Nov 2011 USD -1,643 Million Nov 2011 USD -114 Million Dec 2011 P4,442,355 Million Nov 2011

3. Exports 1/ 4. Imports 1/ 5. Trade Balance 6. Balance of Payments 2/ 7. Broad Money Liabilities 8. Interest Rates 4/

4.71% Oct 2011 P128,745 Million Nov 2011 P 4,898 Billion Oct 2011

9. National Government Revenues 10. National government outstanding debt 11. Peso per US $ 5/

P 43.65 Dec 2011

12. Stocks Composite Index 6/

3,999.7 Sept 2011

13. Consumer Price Index 2006=100

128.1 Jan 2012

14. Headline Inflation Rate 2006=100

3.9 Jan 2012

15. Core Inflation Rate 2006=100

3.4 Dec 2011

16. Visitor Arrivals

284,040 Sept 2011

17. Underemployment Rate 7/

19.1% Oct 2011

18. Unemployment Rate 7/

6.4% Oct 2011

MONTHLY AVERAGE EXCHANGE RATE (January 2009 - December 2011) Month

2011

2010

2009

Average December November October September August July June May April March

43.31 43.64 43.27 43.45 43.02 42.42 42.81 43.37 43.13 43.24 43.52

45.11 43.95 43.49 43.44 44.31 45.18 46.32 46.30 45.60 44.63 45.74

47.637 46.421

February

43.70

46.31

January

44.17

46.03

47.032 46.851 48.139

48.161 48.146 47.905 47.524 48.217

48.458 47.585 47.207

VOL.5 ISSUE 101 • JULY 24, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Mining EO feared to bring more problems in Caraga s

eVerAL civic groups in the Caraga region and some residents now living abroad have expressed fears that the new mining policy under executive Order 79 would create more problems and confusion to towns directly affected by large scale mining operations.

Vicente Cirilo A. iriberri, chairman of the Cantilan tourism Council and a member of the diocesan social Action Center, said that eO 79, which is supposed to give new set of rules and policies, would create more gray areas unless given “further qualifying policy statements.” “the eO may have the primacy effect over [local] ordinances, but it is not supreme over the protection of the general welfare, which is incumbent upon the local government units, in so far as their respective territorial jurisdiction is concerned,” iriberri said. iriberri added that hopefully the eO is serious about the “no-go mining zones,” noting there are areas in Caraga that needs to be considered.

He urged the government to look closely at critical watershed areas, island ecosystems, key biodiversity areas, prime agricultural areas (including the head waters), integrated fishery zones, local tourism development areas, geohazard zones and ancestral lands. these are protected by other statutes like the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act of 1997, Fisheries Code of 1998, tourism Act of 2009, Water Code of the Philippines, Local Government Code, Philippine Mining Act of 1995 and so much more, he said.

Mario Llamas, president of the Parish Pastoral Council of st. isidore Parish in Madrid town, stressed the new mining eO obviously favors the industry and its capitalists. “it lacks the proper review of the real situation in the area, thus failing to assess our place properly. Farming and fishery sustain the lives of the people here. Our communities and the people within it are in danger but Malacanang failed to see

that,” he said.

Fr. John Young, president of the Father saturnino Urios University, also pointed out that the new eO is geared towards the mining industry. “there are provisions in the new eO that is good but clearly more of it is in favor of the huge mining corporations. it actually does not address the present problems large scale mining is causing the communities and the nearby towns,” Young said.

Alum Urbiztondo tuldanes, now based in California, United states, wrote at the social media

site Global CArCAnMAdCArLAnon that “mining advantages are only temporary, but the disadvantages would remain forever.” “i experienced this myself because my father was a miner before, but we remained poor. Had it not been for the agricultural lands owned by my grandfather, our family couldn’t have survived at all,” he said. tuldanes said that education, perseverance and hard work freed them from poverty, and not mining.

CArCAnMAdCArLAn stands

for the towns of Carrascal, Cantilan, Madrid, Carmen and Lanuza. nikki Arpilleda Orzales-Yu, based in Houston, texas, also appealed for the pooling of resources and concerted efforts so the government will consider their sentiments. “even if we are living abroad, our hearts are with the people back home and that we will continue to push for more support to make our native homes a better place to live not [just] for us but for our children’s future,” Yu said.

According to the department of Agriculture (dA), region 12’s current palay production is more than enough to supply the grain requirements of its populace, with its rice self-sufficiency rating reaching 115.7 percent. region 12 covers the provinces of south Cotabato, sultan Kudarat, sarangani, north Cotabato and the cities of General santos, Koronadal, tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato. except for sarangani Province, which is still catching up in terms of palay production, all provinces of the region were considered on track towards their rice self-sufficiency targets. sultan Kudarat posted the highest self-sufficiency ratio of 242.4 percent or more than double its total rice requirement. south Cotabato, which produced 310,410 metric tons of palay last year, is considered rice self-sufficient by 147.5 percent.

“We’re producing more palay now than in the previous years.

Our supplies in the markets are stable while play buying prices and commercial rice prices are at a level that is very advantageous for our farmers,” said south Cotabato provincial agriculturist reynaldo Legaste.

Overall, the soccsksargen region produced an average of 1.21 Mt of palay annually in the last two years. the area’s yield was equivalent to around 690,000 Mt of rice, more than enough to cover for the estimated 598,000 Mt annual rice requirement of its 4.2 million population. data from dA’s Bureau of Agricultural statistics showed that the region is presently the fifth largest palay-producing region

in the country and Mindanao’s top palay producer.

Central Luzon topped the list followed by Western Visayas, Cagayan Valley and ilocos region.

Agri investments region 12’s emergence as a top food producer may be attributed to the significant investments poured in by the national government into the area in the last several months in terms of seed and fertilizer subsidies, opening and rehabilitation of major irrigation facilities, establishment of grains processing centers, distribution of farm machineries, among others. in late 2011, the government finally gave its go-signal for the resumption of the unfinished portions of the Malitubog-Maridagao or MalMar irrigation Project in north Cotabato through an initial funding of P305 million. north Cotabato Gov. emmylou taliño-Mendoza said such funding will be utilized for the rehabilitation and completion of stage 1 of the irrigation project. she said P169 million was allocated for this year’s rehabilitation and construction works while the remaining P136 million was intended for the 2013 works. the governor said the national economic and development Authority (nedA) also approved a proposal for an additional funding of P6.1 billion for the project’s second stage.

Last May, the national irrigation Administration (niA) closed down the Allah river irrigation system (ris) in south Cotabato to undergo repair and rehabilitation for three months.

SoCot on track to rice sufficiency the early morning solitude in Barangay new iloilo here was suddenly interrupted by loud bursts coming from a palay thresher that started to churn freshly harvested palay from a field located beside the national highway.

Beside it were scattered piles of golden yellow palay straws spewed by the thresher that practically increases by the minute.

Up ahead, the horizon was again turning gloomy, signaling a coming rain that is typical for a July morning here and in nearby areas.

Until about two years ago, the rainy months of June and July were traditionally lean periods for palay in south Cotabato and other parts of region 12 or the soccsksargen region but climate change as well as the national governments strategic adaptation measures and interventions practically reversed that situation.

Government investments in irrigation and other agricultural infrastructure in the area were into high gear in the last two years, complementing initiatives geared at ensuring the country’s rice self-sufficiency and reducing dependence on imported staple by next year. this, along with enhanced service delivery and implementation of various agricultural reforms outlined in President Benigno simeon C. Aquino iii’s state-of-the-nation address a year ago have so far triggered the region’s resurgence as one of the country’s top rice producers.

115.7 percent rice self-sufficient as of august 2010

Cebu Pacific Daily Zest Air Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Philippine Airlines Daily Philippine Airlines Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri/Sun Philippine Airlines Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Silk Air Mon/Wed/Sat Cebu Pacific Thu Cebu Pacific Tue/Wed//Sat

5J961 / 5J962 Z2390 / Z2390 5J593 / 5J348 PR809 / PR810 PR819 / PR820 5J394 / 5J393 5J599 / 5J594 5J347 / 5J596 5J963 / 5J964 PR811 / PR812 5J595 / 5J966 MI588 / MI588 5J965 / 5J968 5J965 / 5J968

5:45 5:45 6:00 6:10 7:50 7:50 8:00 9:10 9:40 11:30 12:00 18:55 12:55 13:35

Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Cebu-Davao-Iloilo Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Zamboanga-Davao-Zamboanga Cebu-Davao-Cebu Iloilo-Davao-Cebu Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Cebu-Davao-Manila Davao-Cebu-Singapore Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila

6:15 6:25 6:30 7:00 8:50 8:10 8:30 9:40 10:10 12:20 12:30 13:35 13:25 14:05

Silk Air Thu/Sun Cebu Pacific Mon/Tue/Wed/Fri Philippine Airlines August Zest Air Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Philippines Airlines Daily Cebu Pacific Mon/Tue/Thu/Sat Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Tue/Sat/Sun Cebu Pacific Daily Airphil Express Daily Philippine Airlines Daily except Sunday Philippine Airlines Sunday

MI566 / MI566 5J507 / 5J598 15:55 Z2524 / Z2525 5J967 / 5J600 PR813 / PR814 5J215 / 5J216 5971 / 5J970 5J973 / 5J974 5J969 / 5J972 2P987 / 2P988 PR821 / PR822 PR821 / PR822

18:55 15:00 Mani2Mani 16:05 16:35 16:55 18:00 18:40 20:00 20:30 20:30 21:20 22:20

Davao-Singapore Cebu-Davao-Cebu 16:50 Cebu-Davao-Cebu Manila-Davao-Cebu Manila-Davao-Manila Cagayan de Oro-Davao-Cagayan de Oro Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila

15:20 15:30 16:45 17:05 17:45 18:20 19:10 20:30 21:00 21:00 21:50 22:50

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.5 ISSUE 101 • JULY 24, 2012

Congratulations

5

6

VANTAGE POINTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 101 • JULY 24, 2012

EDGEDAVAO War without hate

Special Feature

By PRiaM F. NEPoMucENo

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EDITORIAL

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Graver problems in drug abuse

eCent neWs accounts about cases of drug abuse in davao and elsewhere in the country indicate a worsening of the problem despite the relative success of anti-drug abuse agencies in lately busting drug dens and arrests of pushers and users.

Only days ago, no less than a commercial airline pilot was caught selling methamphetamine hydrochloride, scientific name of “shabu,” in taguig City. rioklyn P. toledo, the 40-yearold suspect, was caught red-handed selling two plastic sachets of shabu weighing a little over 9 grams to a PdeA agent posing as a buyer. He was also found to be a shabu user himself. toledo, a PdeA official said, supplies shabu to fellow pilots and other airline workers, raising the possibility that he is doing the same to foreign users.

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One wonders what dangers passengers face if the commercial plane is being flown by drugcrazed pilots. this is the graver implication of allowing these pilots to continue working with the airline despite being exposed as drug addicts or pushers. We shudder at the thought. in davao City and neighboring places, the PdeA under regional director emerson rosales and its collaborating agencies are scoring several drug busts lately. this is a good record of the law enforcers. And yet, as rosales himself admits, the arrests also indicate that the drug problem is increasing. indeed, there is need for more aggressive and more creative ways in dealing with this social menace, ways that would effectively prod a vigilant citizenry to get involved in the campaign.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

RAMON M. MAXEY Consultant

GREGORIO G. DELIGERO CARLO P. MALLO Associate Features and Lifestyle KENNETH IRVING K. ONG KARLOS C. MANLUPIG • JOSEPH LAWRENCE P. GARCIA LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR., Creative Solutions Photography LORIE ANN A. CASCARO • JADE C. ZALDIVAR • MOSES C. BILLACURA Staff Writers

Columnists: MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEñA • ZHAUN ORTEGA • BERNADETTE “ADDIE” B. BORBON • MARY ANN “ADI” C. QUISIDO • LEANDRO B. DAVAL SR., • NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN • NICASIO ANGELO AGUSTIN • EMILY ZEN CHUA • CARLOS MUNDA Economic Analyst: ENRICO “GICO” G. DAYANGIRANG

JOCELYN S. PANES Director of Sales

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

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AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Circulation

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iLLinG while avoiding being killed is perhaps one of the hardest things to do in wartime.

But showing compassion and mercy to foes dedicated to eliminate you and your fellow soldiers in the theater of battle is probably harder. this is what Cpl. rishman Ballasta, a member of the 201st infantry Brigade, 30, experienced after a fierce firefight with at least 15 heavily-armed rebels in Barangay White Cliff, San Narciso, Quezon last June 30.

Ballasta was leading 10 other soldiers in a security patrol to locate and apprehend the heavily-armed rebels who allegedly extorted money from the villagers. it was around 11 a.m. when the soldiers spotted the armed men, resting inside a nipa hut. the troopers were approaching the house when heavy gunfire broke out, prompting the soldiers to dive for cover.

At this point, Ballasta ordered his men to return fire at the communist rebels, who came out one by one with guns spitting fire. it was during this time that one of his fellow soldiers was hit, prompting him to order his other companions to secure the flanks and provide cover as the medics treated the wounded soldier. the return fire from the government soldiers caused heavy casualty among the rebels as Ballasta saw several of them dead a few meters away from his location. “i asked the remaining rebels to lay down their weapons and raise their hands. they kept on firing at us, wounding another of my men,” Ballasta said in his report to Philippine Army spokesperson Major Harold Cabunoc.

At this juncture, a soldier overheard one of the rebel commanders egging his companions to continue fighting, telling his men that the soldiers were down to a few men and almost out of ammunition.

More shots were fired at the soldiers, bullets plowing the positions of the soldiers, wounding one of them.

Left with no choice, Ballasta and his men continued to fire back as they gradually approached the enemy positions. sensing that the gunfire from the rebel camp was slowly fading away, Ballasta commanded his men to approach the rebel campsite.

By that time, he realized that they killed 11 of the rebels, some of whom were obviously “child warriors” and a female rebel.

While gathering the rebel dead, Ballasta and his men cannot helped but feel sorrow, after seeing the bodies of innocent-looking young boys still carrying their bandoleers and rifles.

Among the dead were identified through their id cards including a young female combatant, Maricel Benegas, 17, and Benjo endonilla, 17.

He said that he did not really want to wipe out the whole armed group.

“Amidst the hail of bullets, i negotiated for their surrender. i was frustrated that they responded with bullets,” he said.

Ballasta said that shedding tears for the rebels was not a sign of weakness. “i felt the pain suffered by the grieving relatives for the death of their loved ones as the news about the incident unfold. i also cried in anger because the communists deceived the young boys into believing that the problems in our society can be resolved by perpetrating atrocities against government forces,” he said.

He said that he was proud even if it would be known to the whole world that the soldiers’ eyes had filled with tears while fighting fellow Filipinos.

“We are not happy shooting our misguided ‘kababayans’ (countrymen) during clashes.

We will always try our best to convince them to peacefully surrender and cooperate with the government in solving our problems,” he said. [PNA]

EDGEDAVAO

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etBACK in AGriCULtUre – While earning plaudits from government economists and financial managers, Mindanao’s agriculture sector is probably running into trouble. not long ago, government economic experts firmly believed the present leadership would successfully contrive a project that embodies a concept of livelihood – its primary goal is to stimulate the small farmers to strive for the improvement of their living conditions with maximum help from the government.

But to fully realize the vast potential of agriculture and small and medium enterprise (sMe) in Mindanao – the Philippines’ food basket super region, it should have more accessibility to government loans. the bad news keeps coming. the recurring lack of access to financing has made small farmers’ groups and fisher folks seemed resigned to the fact that stringent rules and requirements of governmentowned and controlled banks limit them from accessing urgently needed loans. Government requirements to obtain loans are too heavy to comply. the coconut industry cannot attain its full potential due to lack of financing available to coconut farmers. the department of Agriculture (dA), the lead agency tasked to oversee the job did try to clarify the matter stating that the Aquino administration has

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VANTAGE POINTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 101 • JULY 24, 2012

Facing Up to a Super Bully

Recurring farmers’ concerns enough funds for the purpose and a top official even assured the department has P7.4 billion guarantee fund at the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) and available for farmers who wish to borrow. Aside from that amount, another P2 million Agricultural Competitiveness enhancement Fund is also available, and which was already released in 2010. Yet, even with such an assurance from the dA to acquire government loans may not guarantee its realization based on the progress of loan processing.

Owing largely to a relative lack of access to government loans, the present status of the agriculture sector in Mindanao keeps hanging on the balance. in the past, private banks and government financial institutions were allowed to undertake government lending. it is no longer the case and non-government credit facilities have likewise been prohibited from handling them. different groups suggest that funds for agriculture and sMe instead be released the way the Mindanao rural development Program (MrdP) is being done. the dA says it has no capability to handle financing, thus encouraged the private sector to elevate their concerns to LBP where the government funds are lodged. On the other hand, the Mindanao development Authority (MdA) suggested during a farmers’ convention that the funds be distributed using the Conditional transfer Method, but with a repayment system. the most urgent question right now is this: how long will it take to fully realize the potential of the agriculture sector

7

and sMes in Mindanao?

OpiniOn ‘Owing largely to a relative PatRicio P. Diaz lack of access to government loans, the present status of the (Conclusion) agriculture sector in Mindanao He Philippines has nothing to fight the super bully. navy? Air keeps hanging on the balance. force? Brave words! they make the super bully laugh. the Philippine In the past, private banks economy is at China’s mercy. she suspended the flights carrying 20,000 tourand government financial ists; she blocked the banana shipments.

President Aquino buckled down. institutions were allowed the AseAn would have been a potent force against the bully. But, forget to undertake government it. the ten member nations cannot unite. lending. It is no longer the case in their prime ministerial meeting just weeks ago, the presiding nation, Camboand non-government credit dia – an economic dependent of China – blocked proposals to include the south facilities have likewise been The ASEAN would have been a prohibited from handling potent force against the bully. them. Different groups suggest But, forget it. The ten member that funds for agriculture nations cannot unite. In their and SME instead be released prime ministerial meeting the way the Mindanao Rural just weeks ago, the presiding Development Program nation, Cambodia – an (MRDP) is being done.’ economic dependent of China – blocked proposals to include the South China Sea disputes Of virtualization and cloud computing in their joint communiqué, itH today’s society being revolucloud-fits-all approach. Virtualization is the hence aborting it.

Special Feature tionized by computers and its varitechnical foundation for cloud computing,

ous allied sciences making a triumph entry in the business world, VMware, inc., the global leader in virtualization and cloud infrastructure, made its grand entry in the Philippines during a recent presentation at the Makati shangri-La Manila Hotel.

VMware is the leader in virtualization and cloud infrastructure solutions that enable businesses to thrive in the Cloud era.

Cloud computing is the delivery of computing and storage capacity as a service to a community of end-recipients. the name comes from the use of a cloudshaped symbol as an abstraction for the complex infrastructure it contains in system diagrams. Cloud computing entrusts services with a user’s data, software and computation over a network.

Customers rely on VMware to help them transform the way they build, deliver and consume information technology resources in a manner that is evolutionary and based on their specific needs.

With 2011 revenues of Usd$ 3.77 billion, VMware has more than 350,000 customers and 50,000 partners.

Virtualization is the creation of a virtual (rather than actual) version of something, such as a hardware platform, operating system (Os), storage device, or network resources.

Monkey Business

By chRiStoPhER t. caLiwaN

While a physical computer in the classical sense is clearly a complete and actual machine, both subjectively (from the user’s point of view) and objectively (from the hardware system administrator’s point of view), a virtual machine is subjectively a complete machine (or very close), but objectively merely a set of files and running programs on an actual, physical machine (which the user need not necessarily be aware of).

Virtualization can be viewed as part of an overall trend in enterprise it that includes autonomic computing, a scenario in which the it environment will be able to manage itself based on perceived activity, and utility computing, in which computer processing power is seen as a utility that clients can pay for only as needed. the usual goal of virtualization is to centralize administrative tasks while improving scalability and overall hardware-resource utilization. With virtualization, several operating systems can be run in parallel on a single central processing unit (CPU). this parallelism tends to reduce overhead costs and differs from multitasking, which involves running several programs on the same Os. “each organization’s it and business requirements are different and there is no one-

t

and customers are leveraging our industryleading products like VMware vsphere® to transform their datacenters into simplified cloud computing infrastructures. VMware is on a mission to simplify and automate it management in the cloud era and enable customers to deliver it as a service, and this has seen us successfully expand our footprint across southeast Asia,” VMware AseAn chief Jon robertson said. discussed during the above-mentioned meeting were insights around the state of virtualization and cloud computing adoption in Manila, and how cloud computing can be a source of competitive advantage.

“We continue to see strong demand for our robust virtualization platform in Philippines, particularly in the BPO, healthcare, financial and government sectors industries.

Most VMware customers start with a desire to increase server efficiency and reduce capital expenses by virtualizing low risk workloads. As more of their datacenters are virtualized, customers can realize more value by implementing management and policydriven automation. the resulting quality of service improvements accelerate transformation to an agile cloud computing model, which allows customers to accelerate their it so that in turn, they can accelerate their business,” he added. [PNA]

China sea disputes in their joint communiqué, hence aborting it.

China and the Philippines are both signatories to UnCLOs. However, citing its provisions, China refuses to submit their dispute to the international Court of Justice or to the international tribunal for the Law of the sea (itLOs). On signing UnCLOs, China declared under Article 298 that UnCLOs does not apply to disputes pertaining to its territories.

Hence, the Philippines can bring her case to itLOs but China will not oblige.

From their position papers and related authoritative articles, the scarborough question can be put to rest by itLOs or similar United nations’ arbitrating bodies. But China is so certain: (1) she owns scarborough shoal and (2) the Philippines will lose her case in itLOs. so, there is no need – it’s a waste of time – to submit the case for international arbitration. Professor Wu Hui, an international law expert, wrote: “tribunals Cannot solve the Huangyan [scarborough] island issue” [posted by the Chinese embassy in Manila].

China’s alternative offer is bilateral settlement and joint development venture. Her final verdict: the Philippines must face the facts squarely, by implication accept them, and should not make trouble. the “or else” hangs like the sword of damocles. For all her manifestations of “patience” and “magnanimity,” that verdict is what makes Filipinos see China as a bully. if China is sure any international or Un arbiter will rule in her favor, why will she not submit the scarborough issue for arbitration? there is a thousandth percent (0.001%) chance the arbiter might rule in favor of the Philippines. she does not want to take any iota of risk.

How can a small thin kid face up to a super bully? teng Jianjun writing for Beijing review, posted by the Chinese embassy in Manila, said it succinctly in his title, “A no-Win standoff” – for the Philippines, of course. [MiNDANEws]

8 PROPERTY

EDGED

Green living on the rise at Camella Nort A

kinder, gentler refuge for dabawenyos is how Marlon escalicas, general manager for Camella davao and tagum, would describe Camella northpoint, a condominium development of the Villar-led company in the city.

Last saturday, Camella unveiled the latest addition to the condominium enclave – a 15-story tower that promises to be the greenest of its kind in the city. dubbed as Liverpool tower, the building will be home to 329 units with pocket gardens and sky gardens that will allow the building to ‘breathe’.

“Camella northpoint is the fusion of both vertical and horizontal development.

With this project, our homeowners still get to enjoy the beautiful outdoors even if they live in a condominium. it’s more than just a condominium,” escalicas said. in an event that gathered hundreds of homeowners, brokers, and suppliers, escalicas unveiled the scale-model of Liverpool, the fourth and last residential building to be constructed in the peaceful enclave.

“Aside from being the tallest building in the project, we have also incorporated more ‘green’ characteristics into the building,” escalicas said. selected homebuyers

were the first to see the elegant Liverpool tower 4 in its scale model and perspective, and at the same time get a taste of what ninyo restaurant has to offer with its fusion cuisine set within a fine dining ambiance. ninyo is the restaurant in the heart of the commercial area of Camella northpoint.

“Homebuyers will get a taste of the elegant lifestyle they will enjoy as residents of Camella northpoint as they partake of the delicious dinner menu made especially for them by ninyo,” escalicas said. escalicas added they will reveal the green features of Liverpool in an event filled with light jazz music and cocktails, and the delectable dishes that will give homebuyers a one-of-a-kind buying experience.

One of the key features of Liverpool is the sky Garden, a wide open space within the building that will allow not only natural light but also natural breeze to enter the structure to expel any warm air, cooling down the hallways and condo units. the sky Garden will also have natural plants that give off fresh oxygen and will augment the indoor gardens to provide a refreshing, green ambiance throughout the building.

“We sacrificed space worth around P70 million to allot it to the sky Garden, because we put a premium on creating a green ambiance in Liverpool for the benefit of our homeowners,” added escalicas.

Camella northpoint is a landmark condo development that offers its residents class, comfort, and a pleasurable living experience they will not find in any other condo project in the city. it is the newest premier address in davao, nestled within the heart of north davao’s growth area, making it near to where all the action is.

Yet the condo property is ensconced within a veritable pine estate, tastefully tucked within sloping hills filled with stately old trees at the junction of Buhangin road and Bajada in JP Laurel Avenue.

Presently growing all over is P4 million’s worth of allweather Caribbean pine trees imported from new Zealand. these aromatic pine trees make northpoint a healthful and refreshing place to live, letting its homeowners live a green lifestyle with its verdant surroundings. With northpoint’s buildings also designed to principles of green architecture, its homeowners can definitely breathe green and live green.

Liverpool is not only unique for its green characteristics; it also offers bigger suite units on the top floor at 55, 84, and 93 square meters. this saturday, Camella makes buying a northpoint unit a more pleasurable experience with discounts as high as P100,000. it will also give easy-onthe-pocket down payment terms for three years at zero interest, or a very affordable monthly due of P12,000 only.

All these special offers will be available on that night only.

As the greenest building so far of Camella northpoint, Liverpool is considered the gem among all the towers in this British colonial-themed condo development. As such, it symbolizes not only green living, but elegant living as well, as its homeowners get to enjoy an elevated lifestyle of comfort, privilege, and convenience. northpoint gives its residents many privileges: the stature of living in a posh condo with world-class amenities, the convenience of urban living with its premier location, and the benefits of green, healthful living within nature’s bounty. inquiries can be made at their offices at 2/F delgar Building, JP Laurel Ave., Bajada, davao City, (082) 2220963 and (082) 222-5221.

DAVAO

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PROPERTY

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10 COMMUNITY SENSE Kadayawan is a ‘holiday’ t

He 26th celebration of the davao City’s Kadayawan Festival has gotten additional boosting from the national government with two proclamations aimed at enhancing this year’s festival. the proclamations include a city-wide gun ban and a special holiday for the city both aimed at enhancing this year’s Kadayawan experience.

Philippine national Police Chief director General nicanor Bartolome has issued a Gun Ban which suspended all Permits to Carry Firearms Outside of residence (PtCFOrs) for a period of one month in davao City, effective August 1 to August 31 in time for the festival.

Under the ban, only the members of the PnP, the Armed Fores and other law-enforcement agencies performing official duties and in agency-prescribed uniforms will be allowed to carry weapons. the gun ban was proposed by the City’s Peace and Order Council last month to ensure that the Kadayawan will be free from firearm-related incidents and the city will be made safe for the residents and tourists who will converge in the city. the directive of the

PnP director-General includes the strict implementation of the policy through Police integrated Patrol system (PiPs), which includes the conduct of checkpoints, LOi sitA/Oplan Bakal, mobile/beat patrols and other police security operations in close coordination with the AFP, other law enforcement/ government agencies and Local Government Units (LGUs).

Meanwhile Malacanang has released Proclamation no. 432 which declares August 17 as a special (non-Working) day in davao City. the Proclamation gives full opportunity to the people of davao City to celebrate and participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies.

Kadayawan is an annual festival in the city held every third week of August with main celebrations occurring in the third weekend of the month. this year’s Kadayawan will be on August 17-19. Main highlights include the famed street dancing (indak-indak sa Kadalanan) and the Floral Float Parade (Pamulak sa Kadayawan). the City tourism Operations Office is expecting 20,000 to 30,000 tourists to visit the City during the celebrations.

Globe Telecom backs radio frequency revamp

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eAdinG telecommunications company Globe telecom said it would support initiatives by the international telecommunication Union (itU) and GsM Association (GsMA) to revise the radio frequency spectrum to allow easier and cheaper global broadband expansion and lower the cost of mobile devices in many markets.

Atty. Froilan Castelo, Head of Globe Corporate and Legal services Group and a member of GsMA Chief regulatory Officer Group – Asia, said it was imperative that AsiaPacific carriers come-up with a common stand on the issue of spectrum harmonization.

He added that consistency and fairness in the allocation of frequency spectrum would help boost competitiveness and give telecommunication companies the opportunity to further expand penetration and offer more compelling products and services.

“While Globe recognizes that the power of managing spectrum allocation is in the hands of the regulators, we believe that a review and revision of frequency spectrum can bring benefits to a greater number of people, particularly in far-flung, rural areas. telcos will be able to deliver

low-cost internet connectivity and the cost of mobile devices could become lower since there will be no need to customize these across differing spectrum bands,” Castelo said.

For instance, the new Long term evolution (Lte) standard for high-speed data for mobile phones and data terminals which wireless carriers worldwide are currently deploying can be used with many different frequency bands. As a result, cellular phones from one country may not work in other countries unless the units are multiband capable.

GsMA is pushing for a harmonized 700MHz band plan for mobile services across the Asia-Pacific region, noting that spectrum harmonization would result in bigger economies of scale and increase the capacity of the region’s mobile operators to provide better telecommunication services. the organization, in partnership with the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), has published research suggesting that mobile services could boost Asia-Pacific economies by $729-Billion in the next twenty years through the region-wide adoption of the 700MHz spectrum band for mobile broadband.

VOL.5 ISSUE 101 • JULY 24, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Kids from Circular Homes and Euro Asia at SM City Davao’s National Children’s Book Reading Day celebration.

SM Davao promotes book reading L Ast July 17, sM City davao along with 43 sM malls across the country and 4 malls in China advocated for book reading among children. sM Cares through its Committee on Youth and Children’s Welfare has been observing the national Children’s Book reading day for the past 3 years. this year’s celebration was supported by the department of education (deped), the national Book development Board (nBdB), Vibal Publications, national Bookstore, sM Foundation inc., BdO Foundation, and Jollibee. the event was participat-

ed in by kids from Circular Homes and euro Asia.

“25 years ago, when SM opened its first Mall to the public (at North EDSA), we were given an opportunity to help improve the quality of life of the community surrounding us. Today, the SM Supermalls have become home to more than 12,000 tenants, 25,000 SM employees, serving 3 million shoppers daily, nationwide. And we have grown because our customers and partners have allowed us to grow with you. Truly, the SM Malls have now grown beyond shopping, beyond entertainment,

Davao City Librarian Norafe Alajar expresses the mayor’s gratitude to SM for its laudable program for children of Davao.

and leisure. It is now about taking affirmative action in our social responsibilities. It is now, about taking initiatives to be instrumental in caring for children, the best way we can. It is now about, how SM gives back,” says engr. nick santos, sM davao assistant mall manager. dr. rovic Cuasito and BdO Foundation volunteers were the readers for the activity. Also in attendance were City Librarian norafe Alajar and department of education regional supervisor ii Carmencita diamante.

“Kudos to SM City Davao for their efforts

to instill in our young Davaoeños love for reading through this National Book Reading Campaign.

This is in line with ‘Magbasa Ta’ project in the local government which extends our literacy program to far-flung communities through story-telling in barangays,” City Librarian norafe Alajar reads in behalf of the city mayor.

Apart from the very entertaining story-telling session, games and mascot interaction, sir elementary school and Kabacan elementary school also received children’s books from sM Foundation during the activity.

Jollibee joins the book reading campaign at SM City Davao

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DRIED FISH BENEFICIARIES. Herminia Salazar (2nd from left) from Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-Internal Audit Services from Manila leads her team in the surprise monitoring and assessment of the Kababaihang Magbubulad ng Old Poblacion (KAMOP).

With Salazar was Willie Concepcion from DOLE 12. The group was satisfied in the operation of KAMOP, a recipient of P71,000 fund assistance from DOLE. KAMOP is one of the organizations which produce marinated bangsi (flying fish), Maitum’s One Town, One Product.

ECO-TOURISM. Mayor Elsie Lucille Perrett (right) and Dr. Adeluisa Garcia-Siapno, newly-installed regional executive director of Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region 12, exchange ideas on how to sustain the environment during the latter’s visit in Maitum. RED Siapno assured Mayor Perrett that she is

available 24/7 whenever she needs help. “If you have any concern, I am just a phone call away, any time of the day,” she told Mayor Perrett. Maitum will be a recipient of technical assistance from DENR Region 12 in the ecotourism program and forest preservation.

BUSOG, LUSOG, TALINO. Participants giggle as Sarangani Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Allan Farnazo cracks a joke in his message during the launching of Busog, Lusog, Talino (BLT) in Perrett Central Elementary School in Maitums Friday, July 20. The BLT which started in 2007 is a school feeding program developed by the Jollibee Foundation. The program aims to address hun-

ger among malnourished Grade 1 and Grade 2 pupils to help them stay in school and learn better. Jollibee Foundation partners with public and private sectors in the local communities to ensure better health and nutrition among public school children. As of 2012, the program has nourished more than 25,000 BLT pupils nationwide.

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EDGEDAVAO

China plans garrison

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eiJinG will establish a military garrison on a group of disputed islands in the south China sea, China’s defence ministry said Monday, a move likely to provoke further tensions with its neighbours. the troops will operate from sansha in the Paracel islands, one of two archipelagos in the south China sea that are claimed by both China and Vietnam. the garrison, approved by the Central Military Commission, “will be responsible for the sansha area national defence mobilisation and reserve forces activities”, the defence ministry said on its website. the ministry did not say when the garrison would be established, but the move to station troops on the Paracels is likely to provoke Hanoi’s ire.

Beijing’s move last month to designate sansha as its administrative centre for the Paracels and the spratly islands prompted a rare demonstration sunday in the Vietnamese capital against China’s territorial assertions.

China and south Vietnam once administered different parts of the Paracels but after a brief conflict in 1974 Beijing took control of the entire group of islands. Vietnam holds several of the larger spratly islands.

China says it owns much of the south China sea, while the Philippines, taiwan, Brunei and Malaysia each claim portions. disputes have flared in recent weeks, with Vietnam and the Philippines criticising what they call Chinese encroachment. in June, the statebacked China national Offshore Oil Corporation announced it was welcoming bids to explore oil blocks in the disputed waters, a week after Vietnam adopted a law placing the spratlys under its sovereignty.

A July 13 meeting of the Association of southeast nations broke up without a joint statement for the first time in 45 years because members could not agree on how to refer to China’s behaviour in the disputed waters. the countries are drafting a “code of conduct” to try to overcome the rift.

EDGEDAVAO

‘Nod’...

FFROM 1

ito, masisimot na rin ang 61.7 million na backlog sa textbook upang maabot na, sa wakas, ang one is to one ratio ng aklat sa mag-aaral. sana nga po, ngayong paubos na ang backlog sa edukasyon, sikapin nating huwag uling magka-backlog dahil sa dami ng estudyante. sa tingin ko po, responsible Parenthood ang sagot dito,” Aquino said, drawing successive cheers and applause.

Aquino took a swipe yet again at his predecessor’s administration while boasting of the country’s wins under his leadership.

Turned down He turned down calls for him to forget the sins of his predecessor so that the country can move forward, warning that the Philippines would suffer if he would not punish the people who plundered the country to enrich themselves.

“Forgive and forget ang lahat ng atraso ng mga naglubog sa atin sa bulok na estado? Forgive and forget para maibalik ang lumang status quo?

Ang tugon ko: Ang magpatawad, maaari; ang makalimot, hindi. Kung ang nagkasala ay hindi mananagot, gagarantiyahan mo ang pagpapahirap muli sa sambayanan,” Aquino said in his third

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sona speech delivered at the joint session of the Congress at the House of representatives yesterday which lasted one hour and 37 minutes.

He also lamented the inefficient budget he had to endure at the start of his office.

“Para po tayong boksingero na isinabak sa laban na nakagapos na ang kamay at paa, kakampi pa ng kalaban ang referee at mga judge,” Aquino said.

Extolled Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales received special mention along with other notable officials from Aquino. He said that Morales had been instrumental in carrying out reforms during his second year.

Aquino said that he admired Morales’ work and told her to expect more challenges.

Common He said that the changes and reforms that Filipinos had been yearning were now common under his administration. “nangarap tayo ng pagbabago, nakamit natin ang pagbabago at ngayon karaniwan na ito,” Aquino said Among the changes he said are the improvement in roads, which he said have been made smoother, and the strict use of sirens, which is only allowed for ambulances, firetrucks and police vehicles.

“Ang wang-wang sa lansangan, galing na lang sa pulis, ambulansya, o bumbero-- hindi sa opisyal ng gobyerno. Karaniwan na ito. Ang gobyernong dating nang-aabuso, ngayon, tunay na kakampi na ng Pilipino,” said Aquino.

Aquino noted that under his watch, people are no longer waiting for relief goods during calamities, instead goods come ready for the public.

Jobs He also said that some 3.1 million new jobs were created in the past two years of his administration.

“Pababa nang pababa ang unemployment rate sa bansa,” he said. “sinisiguro nating manganganak ng trabaho ang pagsigla ng ating ekonomiya,” he said.

Aquino said when he came into office, the unemployment rate was 8 percent, but as of April 2011, the rate dropped to 7.2 percent and as of the first half of 2012, it has been further reduced to 6.9 percent.

He said that 638,000 people have been given jobs in the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry, which he said has infused $1 billion into the country’s economy in 2011. the BPO industry has also generated many

other indirect jobs, he added. “di ba makatwirang mangarap na balang araw, bawat Pilipinong handang magbanat ng buto, may mapapasukang trabaho?”

Aquino said.

10-million tourists He also said that the department of tourism targets to increase the annual tourist arrivals in the country to 10 million by 2016.

Aquino said that as of June 2012, at least 2.1 million tourists have arrived in the country, which he said bodes well for the local tourism industry’s target of 4.6 million tourists by the end of this year.

“Kung patuloy na magkakaisa ang sambayanang Pilipino, gaya ng ipinamalas natin nang hirangin ang Puerto Princesa Underground river bilang isa sa new seven Wonders of nature, walang dudang makakamtan natin ito,” Aquino said.

More...

“Ang pahayag nga po natin sa daigdig: it’s more fun in the Philippines. Kahit wala pang isang taon sa puwesto si secretary Mon Jimenez, nagagapas na natin ang positibong bunga ng ating mga naipunlang reporma.

Masasabi nga po nating pagdating sa turismo, it’s really more fun—to have (tourism) secretary Mon Jimenez,’” Aquino added.

Aquino said that if the quota for 2012 is reached, this means they would have added 1.5 million tourists, which would be higher than the 1.3 million increase in tourist arrivals during the nineyear term of the previous administration.

Aquino said that in 2001, tourist arrivals were recorded at 1.8 million and in 2010, it increased to 3.1 million.

“Mantakin po ninyo: sa hinaba-haba ng kanilang administrasyon, ang naidagdag nilang tourist ar-

rivals, 1.3 million lamang; may ambag pa kaming kalahating taon dyan,” Aquino quipped.

Open for business He declared also that the country is now truly open for business.

Citing information that the Philippines is now enjoying positive credit, he told the nation that the stock exchange index now no longer went below 5000 from the earlier 4000, drawing him applause from the audience. “dati tayo ang nangungutang, ngayon tayo na ang nagpapautang. dati namamalimos tayo ng investments, ngayon dumadagsa,” he added, quoting comments on the Philippines being “Asia’s next tiger.”

He claimed that growth in the economy was reaching the masses through the government’s Pantawid Pamilya program, which has more than 700,000 beneficiaries.

aware of the need,” he said.

The lack of budget, Carillo continued, is a major reason why it took so long for the judiciary to establish additional courts.

“Creating a separate court does not only involve employing a judge, but it should have a complete personnel starting from clerk and stenographer among others. and, that requires a big amount of budget,” he said. noting that ideally, there should be separate courts for drugs, family and other types of cases, he said regional trial courts are instead designated as to the types of courts to cope with the shortage.

Further, he said Parole and Probation administration (PPa) offices also lack personnel, citing that in the region, there are 12 PPa offices manned by only nine chiefs of offices.

“Sometimes, we do oneman army,” he said candidly, adding that there are offices, such as the one in island garden City of Samal, that do not have chief officers but only officers-in-

charge.

He said with additional cities, all the more that PPa offices need additional personnel as it is required that there should be an office in every city or province.

Meanwhile, to cope with shortage of manpower, volunteer probation aid (VPa) program was launched, currently having 13,000 VPas nationwide. as of June 2012, the region has 327 VPas, and 158 of them are supervising 549 clients.

Carillo said there are 1,865 active supervision cases subject for parole in the region.

The Davao Provincial district 2 has the highest number of cases with 314cases; followed by Davao del Sur with 218 cases; Davao City district 2 with 189 cases.

Carillo said supervision of cases subject for parole may be revoked in cases of non-reporting and/or conviction of another crime, adding that the maximum supervision period is six years.

being eyed to develop in the island under Localized Community Mortgage Program (LCMP).

Among 15 LGUs nationwide, iGaCos is one of the beneficiaries of LCMP that was approved by the social Housing Finance Corporation (sHFC) Board of directors on July 27, 2007. the sHFC was created by virtue of executive Order no. 272 on January 20, 2004. the sHFC is subsidiary of the national Home Mortgage Finance Corporation (nHMFC) with mandates that include to undertake social hous-

ing programs that will cater to the formal and informal sectors in the low-income bracket and to take charge of developing and administering social housing programs, particularly the Community Mortgage Program (CMP).

LCMP is also a derivative of the CMP that would assist and empower the LGU in achieving their housing programs for the informal sector in their respective areas.

Gales said sunrise Village in san Agustin, Babak is a model community of LCMP with close to 200 households as beneficiaries.

FFROM 1

more drug courts as there are many drug-related cases in the region, citing that each court handles 500 to 600 cases in Davao City alone. asked for his take on the demand of 12 political prisoners who are now on their eight-day hunger strike in Compostela Valley (ComVal) Rehabilitation Center for additional courts in the province, Carillo said, “i joined their prayers, but all we (DoJ) can do is to express our sentiments.” aside from calling for more courts, the political prisoners, who are supported by some 550 inmates in ComVal, have waged a hunger strike since July 16, expressing their dismay over the government’s perennial refusal to grant them freedom.

They are also calling for additional jail budget and improvement of jail facilities and services. “i would like to believe they (Supreme Court) have a plan to increase the number of courts. They are doing their best to provide more courts as they are

Igacos...

FFROM 3

tional Housing Authority (nHA) this coming July 26.

He said there is also an affordable housing program for government employees, uniformed personnel, teachers, and OFWs. the city government is now finalizing negotiation with the Housing and Urban development Coordinating Council (HUdCC) on this housing project, whose site has been identified.

Gales said that another housing project is also

14

SPORTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 101 • JULY 24, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Phoenix CEO: Strong sports commitment

By Neil Bravo

P

SO KIM CHENG SPORTS AWARDS. Phoenix Petroleum CEO and President Dennis Uy (second from left) receives his Sports Leadership award from So Kim Cheng Sports Foundation Inc. chairman So Peng Kee (3rd from left), SKCSF

vice chairman Dexter So (extreme right), and Davao City Sports Council president Ben Sur (left).

HOenix Petroleum Philippines CeO dennis Uy is truly a sportsman by heart. sharing the limelight with the city’s top sportsmen during the 18th so Kim Cheng sports Awards at the Grand regal Hotel Luzon Ballroom on sunday night, the 36-year old Uy reaffirmed his commitment to sports, and where his passion goes, so does the country’s leading independent oil player. “since i was young, i’ve always loved sports,” Uy began his message after receiving the sports Leadership Award from the so Kim Cheng sports Foundation and the davao City sports Council. “i play basketball, and golf, i tried bicycling, i also run, but never excelled in sports. As much as i loved sports, it didn’t love me! despite this, i never gave up. i simply practiced harder.” the young CeO who is also the Honorary Consul to Kazakhstan, cited the influence of sports in running the oil firm’s business. “sports taught me discipline, perseverance, determination and patience – qualities that are essential to an entrepreneur such as myself, and qualities that help team Phoenix achieve our goals,” he said. “that’s why we at Phoenix Petroleum fully support sports. sports showcases man at our finest, pushes us to be stronger, faster, and extraordinary. it gives us discipline, builds character, and most importantly especially for the youth, gives them the right venue to direct their energies, instead of to drugs and other vices.”

Uy was awarded the prestigious plaque by virtue of his contribution to local and national sports through Phoenix Petroleum.

He was one of the three recipients of the sports Leadership Award along with Mayor sara duterte-Carpio and samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas regional director regino “Boy” Cua.

Phoenix Petroleum was also given a special Citation for its contribution to local and national sports through long distance running, basketball, billiards, golf, football and many other sports.

Uy, who plays basketball and golf, cited their biggest endorser and business partner Manny Pacquiao and their partnership with the Philippine Basketball Association through the sponsorship of “PBA On tour” provincial games, and the United Football League via the PhoenixPhilippine Air Force team.

“We at Phoenix like to say, “Phoenix Petroleum Fuels Life.” What better example of life at its most promising and most victorious than sports?

We only have to look at Manny Pacquiao to see how sports can change a life. Manny is not just our brand ambassador but is also a Phoenix dealer, and his discipline, commitment to excellence, and humility are truly admirable,” Uy said as he wished the young athletes in davao to emulate the values of the eight-time world champion.

Uy’s passion for sports took a high note when he pursued to buy the franchise of red Bull in 2011. However, the oil firm came up short with the required votes from the PBA Board. Had Phoenix successfully bagged a franchise in the PBA, it will be the first davaobased franchise in the history of the professional league. despite that, Uy continued to support sports particularly in davao. “i will always be a sports fan, and Phoenix Petroleum will always be a supporter of sports,” he said. “We promise to be your partner in local sports, and we thank you for your support and confidence in us at Phoenix.”

Phoenix Petroleum chairman doming Uy, joined his son on stage to receive the award handed over by dCsCi President Ben sur, sFCFi chairman so Peng Kee, and Cholo elegino, who represented Mayor duterte-Carpio.

Brokenshire bets rule Cavalier Run University of Mindanao President and CEO Willie Torres (seventh from left) with the athlete-honourees from UM and DCSC President Ben Sur, SKCSFI vice

chair Dexter So and SKCSFI chair So Peng Kee during the 18th So Kim Cheng Sports Awards at the Grand Regal Hotel.

ssUMPtiOn College of davao emerged on top of its group in the mini division and emar Learning Center made its way into the quarterfinals in the Cadet division over the weekend as the royal Mandaya Hotel Cup moves into the crucial stages of the tournament. the ACd Minis lit up the Genesis 88 Gym with a gutsy rise-from-the-grave win

school of davao in the semifinals this saturday at 9:30 a.m. the other mini semis match will have Group B top qualifier Ateneo de davao University staking its unblemished record against Precious international on sunday at 9:30a.m. in the Cadet division, emar caught the last bus to the round of 8 by turning back Holy Cross of davao

ACD, Emar roll in RMH Cup A over stella Maris Academy of davao 67-60. ACd was slow at the get go falling behind 20-29 and 39-47 in the first two quarters but came back smoking after the lemontime break.

ACd outgunned sMAd 28-13 in the final period to reverse the outcome of what could have been a disastrous finish.

ACd will take on Group B second placer Holy Child

College, 101-74. emar will now face early favorite Holy Child, which toyed with st.

Peter’s College, 151-21, in the semifinals. A 34-2 explosion jumpstarted the reds who were simply in a different class. “this is the stage where the best of the best will emerge. We hope more people will come to see the games,” said league founder Glenn escandor. (NEiL BRAVo)

t

He vaunted track team of Brokenshire College turned the 1st Cavalier run into their own playground as the Leopards won all but one of the categories at stake.

Arnie Macaneras, Michael Constantino, rolly Paderna, Cynthia Jaro, and Mae Baret carried the Leopards to five of the six titles.

Macaneras and Jaro ruled the premier 10-kilometer class, Constantino took the 5-kilometer title while Paderna and rookie Baret took the 3-k pennants.

Only Flordeliza donos of Baguio City averted the sweep of Brokenshire College tracksters in the women’s 5-kilometer division. donos, who clocked 288 minutes and 31 seconds beat Cellie rose Jaro (28:32) and

Cecilie Jaro (29:21) of Brokenshire.

Macaneras clocked 35 minutes and 25 seconds to barely beat Kidapawan City’s Gilbert Maluyo who checked in a step behind at 35:26. ronald dagaang (36:42) came in third. in the women’s side, Jaro negotiated the distance in 46:09 besting teammates Criselyn Jaro (48:23) and daime rose Jaro (52:02).

Constantino, gold medallist in the national PrisAA Games, crossed the finish in 18:25 beating University of Mindanao’s Michaerl Barrosa (19:17), and Mike Athony traya (19:34) of Kidapawan City.

Paderna took the 3-k title in 10:46 while the prodigious Baret won the women’s 3-k title in 13:17. (NEiL BRAVo)

INdulge!

VOL.5 ISSUE 101 • JULY 24, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

TRAVEL

The ICC Tower from Kowloon Park

Discovering HK’s

Kowloon Park is an urban oasis.

Kowloon Park

HONG KONG is a shoppers paradise with a multitude of shopping malls built right beside each other. Where malls in the Philippines sprawl outwards horizontally, Hong Kong’s malls are growing vertically much like sturdy trees in an urban jungle.

Otoi, me, and Erwin, take a breather in the park.

You can see locals practice tai chi anywhere in the park.

But I am writing about a different kind of Hong Kong, a more greener, less crowded space within the former british colony where one can escape the hum of the city even if it is located smack dab in the middle of everything.

I am sure frequent visitors to Hong Kong may have heard of it and have even passed by it more than once in a visit, but I can bet that not many have explored the many pathways and attractions that are found within Kowloon Park.

Much like New York City’s famed Central Park, Kowloon Park is a breath of fresh air. Located along Nathan Road and right in the middle Tsim Sha Tsui, the park is a huge swath of green in an otherwise concrete and glass landscape. If you visit the park early, one can see the locals enjoying a round of Tai Chi. The park also has an array of public arts and sculptures that are free for every visitor in the park to enjoy.

Kowloon Park is also where one can find the Kowloon Park Heritage Discovery Centre, an architectural heritage museum that occupies a historic British colonial structure that used to be accommodations for British troops.

Also within the park complex is an indoor sport center and a large aquatics

center. The pool complex includes four indoor heated pools, including an Olympic sized 50-meter main pool, a 25-meter training pool, a 20-meter diving pools and a free form leisure pool. There are three outdoor leisure pools of irregular shapes linked together by waterfalls. In addition, there is a circular paddling pool and a sunbathing area.

The park also has an aviary that is comprised of seven planted enclosures which accommodate over 100 birds of 29 species, including Blue & Yellow Macaw, Green-winged Macaw, Victoria Crowned Pigeon, Nicobar Pigeon and others.

The Aviary is famous for its outstanding breeding success with Red-sided Eclectus Parrot, Nicobar Pigeon and Victoria Crowned Pigeon.

So the next time you visit Hong Kong and want to take a break, I suggest you drop by Kowloon Park for a little breather.

Add me up on twitter @ kennethkingong for more travel finds, foodie delights, and happenings around Durianburg.

A sign post points out the many attractions within Kowloon Park.

The One Mall as seen from the park.

A sculpture along Nathan Road.

The park is also a nice way to get from one mall to another.

EDGEDA

A2 INdulge!

TRAVEL ENTERTAINMENT

Destination: Underwater

By Carlo P. Mallo Photos by Rude Dolfo

D A B AW E N Y O S travel far and wide to see the world, but how many have actually explored this entirely different world which happens to be right under our own noses?

It all started with a joke wanting to meet the famous Disney character ‘Nemo’ in real life. So, when Joon, Leo, and Lucky of Coral Dive Center in Davao invited me for a ‘fun’ dive, I immediately said yes.

I didn’t mind waking up early on a Sunday so I can join the dive group which was composed of mostly Korean guests who are in the city for recreation.

There were also Filipino dive enthusiasts who joined us on the boat.

After a few reminders and a short lecture, we started gearing up for the dive. Boy, that tank is heavy and so is the weight belt.

And oh, try walking with your flippers on.

But the moment you submerge yourself underwater and as you go deeper, the less of life’s worries

could bother you. The sight of schools of fishes in blue, silver, black, striped with yellow, and a million other colors can leave one stunned – and we’re not even talking about shapes and sizes yet!

While others had more complex forms of fascinations, like eels and nudibranchs, I was jumping for joy when I saw Nemo, or most probably his relatives, having fun in their own anemones. Nothing beats seeing these wonderful creatures in their own natural habitat.

It’s a good thing that I did my first dive with Coral Dive

as they constantly reiterated how lucky Davao City is to have these corals still brimming with life.

“We want more people to know more about the beauty of Davao City and Samal Island. It’s not all bad here as what a lot of people think of Mindanao,” Joon said.

Coral Dive is located at the end of Monteverde St., just across the Bureau of Fire Protection. For more information, you may call them at (082) 3044588. Coral Dive Center is the manned by NAUI Worldwide certified dive masters and instructors.

DAVAO

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VOL.5 ISSUE 101 • JULY 24, 2012

ENTERTAINMENT

Ledger: ‘Don’t Black out for Dark Knight blame my son’ Warner Bros. delays release of box office results

IT is the rare American spectator sport that runs year-round.

But not today.

FOLLOWING the tragic shooting at a Dark Knight Rises screening in Colorado Friday, Heath Ledger’s father spoke out, saying “we can’t blame Heath or the [Joker] character” for the incident.

Today, the weekend box office was called.

In the aftermath of the Aurora, Colo., shooting rampage, Warner Bros., as pledged, did not issue Friday-Sunday estimates for The Dark Knight Rises.The other major studios followed Warners’ lead, and top reporting agencies like Exhibitor Relations and Hollywood.com did not issue reports for numbers they didn’t have.

The silence was deafening.

“I cannot recall the studios ever choosing to not report box-office grosses, even around 9/11,” journalist and TheWrap.com founder Sharon Waxman said in an email.

Twelve people were killed and 58 injured at a midnight Friday, openingday screening of The Dark Knight Rises in Aurora.

The incident was the largest mass shooting in U.S. history.

“All the movie studios are trying their best to be sensitive to the tragedy, and to react with the appropriate decorum,” Waxman said.

Max Keiser, who cofounded Hollywood Stock Exchange, a site that taps into the box-office obsession, took a dimmer view. “[Warners] is ashamed that the box office is probably going to benefit due to the massacre,” Keiser said in an email.

But the numbers are expected to tell another story. Projections are

being downsized, and where once the mostoptimistic estimate had The Dark Knight Rises scoring a nearly $200 million domestic debut, and challenging the opening weekend record of The Avengers, now the talk, per Exhibitor Relations, is of an opening between $155 million and $170 million.

Presales, some made weeks in advance of the Aurora shooting, were believed to have driven much of the midnight, opening day and Saturday revenue. Sunday was to be the wild card: Would walk-ins still walk in?

Would families show? The anecdotal evidence was not encouraging.

Twitter, in particular, was rife with posts on Sunday from users claiming to be moviegoers in “practically empty,” “virtually empty” and “half empty” theaters showing the Christopher Nolan Batman movie. One tweet even came with a reputed snapshot of a “completely

empty” screening room.

The formal proof will come Tuesday when Warners and the other studios release their numbers.

Hollywood is delaying the box-office weekend, not canceling it, as it were.

Professor Robert J. Thompson called the box-office blackout a gesture, and in the scheme of things, not a terribly meaningful one.

At the same time, Thompson, director of the Bleier Center for Television and Popular Culture at Syracuse University, did not dismiss the Sunday-morning routine that is the parsing of the weekend numbers. The game—who’s ahead? who’s behind?—is a sport for people who aren’t necessarily into sports, he said.

And better than most sports, box-office results depend on the spectators’ collective participation.

“When you hear this movie or that movie broke all records,” Thompson said, “you feel like you were

The tragic incident that occurred at the midnight showing of The Dark Knight Rises in Aurora, Colo., has hit all of our hearts, especially the actors from the flick.

We’ve heard what Gary Oldman and director Christopher Nolan had to say, and now Anne Hathaway and Christian Bale have spoken out about the horrendous event that took 12 lives.

“My heart aches and breaks for the lives taken and altered by this unfathomably senseless act,” Hathaway, who plays Catwoman/Selina Kyle in

Dark Knight Rises, said in a statement Saturday to E! News. “I am at a loss for words how to express my sorrow. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families.”

Bale, star of the action film, issued his own statement on Saturday, declaring, “Words cannot express the horror that I feel.

I cannot begin to truly understand the pain and grief of the victims and their loved ones, but my heart goes out to them.”

At 12:30 a.m. Friday, 24-year-old James Holmes allegedly walked into the midnight showing of

Dark Knight Risesin Theater 9 at the Century 16 movie complex in Aurora, carrying gas canisters, an AR-15 assault rifle, a shotgun and at least one .40-caliber Glock handgun. Holmes surrendered himself to police after the shooting and was booked on Friday afternoon.

Authorities say he wore protective body armor and a gas mask. Holmes triggered two canisters and opened fire with the rifle, killing 12 and injuring 58 people, making this the biggest mass shooting in U.S. history, according to available data.

Hathaway, Bale speak about Dark Knight Rises tragedy

part of something.”

Just like maybe, perhaps the people in the opening-night theater in Aurora wanted to feel part of something.

“By delaying the numbers,” Thompson said, “there is some [acknowledgement] that those numbers would include in them some people who went to the movies on Friday, and didn’t come back.”

“It’s [The Joker] fictitious. I don’t know what this does to the character,” Kim Ledger told Australia’s Herald Sun. “I think that’s the least of my worries. I’d be more worried about the families and other people involved in the tragedy.’’

Heath Ledger played the Joker in The Dark Knight before he passed away from an accidental drug overdose in January 2008.

James Holmes, the alleged gunman who fired rounds into the movie theater crowd leaving 12 people dead, reportedly painted his hair red and said he was The Joker the evening of the incident,

according to New York Police Commissioner Ray Kelly.

“It’s terrible—the whole circumstances,’’ the elder Ledger continued. “The guy’s obviously a nut case. He has obviously lost it. I think what America should be doing is restricting the availability of ammunition or revisiting their gun laws—that’s what they should be doing.’’

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

EVENTS ENTERTAINMENT

VOL.5 ISSUE 101 • JULY 24, 2012

Coffee making at its finest Equilibrium’s 3rd Mindanao barista competition

EQUILIBRIUM, a leading distributor of coffee machines and official distributor of Torani flavored syrup and sauces in Davao City, sponsored the third Mindanao barista contest at the Waterfront Insular Hotel, Davao City last June 30.

With four branches nationwide, Equilibrium has been part of the annual barista contest initiated by the Philippine Barista and Coffee Academy (PBCA), an affiliate of the American Barista and Coffee School.

Elmar M. Limpiado, Davao office branch head, said one of the six professional baristas from popular coffee shops in Mindanao who won the pre-elimination round last June 28 won the Mindanao regional elimination.

The champion barista, Romyr Bago of Café Demitasse, will represent Mindanao in the national contest at the World Food Expo 2012 in August at the SMX Convention Center, Manila.

He won over Lyndon Recera of Something Sweet Resto Bar & Coffee Shop (1st runner up), and Dina C. Benolirao of Cafe Demitasse (2nd runner up).

Staff of Equilibrium Intertrade Corp. together with the winners of 3rd Mindanao Barista Contest

The other finalists were Alexies John Econar of Something Sweet

by Anne; Mark Anthony Gumapo of Cafe Ferenzo, and Rhyme Lavita of Wine Bar & Restaurant.

The criteria for judging were categorized under technical and sensory, according to Limpiado, who said that the contestants served espresso, cappuccino and signature drinks.

The sensory judges were Ron Labtang of The Marco Polo Davao; Rey Sumania of Jamaican F&B Training Center; Adelo Marquez, F&B manager of Waterfront Insular Hotel; and Gladys Marcial Aquino, owner of Tata Benito’s Coffee.

Limpiado said the barista contest helps promote Mindanao as having skilled baristas, and that specialty cof-

(L-R) Lyndon Recera-1st placer, Dina C. Benolirao-2nd placer and Romyr Bago-champion

fee drinking is a growing trend, especially in Davao City.

“The coffee market in the city is increasing,” he said, noting that most hotel functions are already serving brewed coffee instead of instant coffee, which was a common practice in the past.

Cup of coffee

Alexis John Econar-First participant from Something Sweet by Anne

Mark Anthony Gumapo-Fifth participant from Café Firenzo

Equilibrium is also distributing other high quality products, not only coffee but also non-coffee based beverages and gourmet food preparations.

He bared the company’s market share in the city has increased by 80% over the past two years.

EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS

15

From elsewhere, it Els L VOL.5 ISSUE 101 • JULY 24, 2012

YtHAM st. Annes, england – Another British Open ended with a heartbreak kid and a champion rising from nowhere. Or elsewhere in the case of ernie els.

For yet another time, els plucked the ball from the hole after one last birdie and heaved it into the grandstand. At the time, it looked like nothing more than a classy gesture by a former British Open champion - not the next one. the name on the claret jug was supposed to be Adam scott, who had a four-shot lead with four holes to play.

But in a shocking turnaround sunday, els returned to the 18th green less than an hour later to claim the oldest trophy in golf. scott joined a list of players who threw away a major. that was not lost on els, whose heart sank when he looked over at the 32-year-old Australian. ‘’sorry,’’ els told him. ‘’You’re a great player, a great friend of mine. i feel very fortunate. You’re going to win many of these.’’ scott might not get another chance like this.

After hitting a 3-wood into a pot bunker on the final hole, scott had one last chance when he stood over a 7-foot par putt to force a playoff. it stayed left of the cup, and scott dropped into a crouch. standing off to

Tiger tumbles

Ernie Els kisses the Claret jug after being crowned the new British Open champion.

Filipino golfer Juvic Pagunsan fired an 11-over par in his first Major championship

Tiger Woods struggled in the final round and blew his chances. iVe shots back of the Woods’ major championlead going into sunday, ship hopes died on sunday there was no question afternoon. After finding the tiger Woods needed to bunker with his approach do something special to catch shot, Woods was left with Adam scott and win his a plugged lie up against the 15th major championship. face. it was an almost imAfter opening his round with possible shot, but caddie Joe five straight pars, Woods LaCava thought he could pull came to the par-4 6th looking it off. the day prior on the for a birdie. very same hole, Woods’ playit seemed like the per- ing partner thorbjorn fect spot to get things going. Olesen executed the shot Woods was a collective 3-un- from almost the exact spot der on the hole coming into in the bunker, leading LaCava the final round; if there was to believe that if a 22-yeara hole on the course that was old could pull it off, so could in his wheelhouse, it was this Woods. one.

“Alright, just go instead, the hole ended with it,” LaCava could be up being the spot where heard saying on esPn’s tele-

Juvic survives first Major F

F

iLiPinO Juvic Pagunsan ended his first appearance in a Major tournament with a five-over-par 75, finishing in the bottom of the field that made it to the weekend of the British Open. the Asian tour’s reigning Order of Merit topnotcher finished at 11-over 291, his total ballooning after a faltering finish to his final round at royal Lytham and st.

Annes.

the 34-year-old was in the middle of the pack after making the turn at one-over 35, but he bogeyed four of his last seven holes -- including the difficult 18th which he bogeyed for the third time in four days. still, Pagunsan earned the distinction as the first Filipino to make the cut at the Open and later said he will return home with a lot of good memories of his Major debut. “it’s a good experi-

ence. First time on a links course and some good memories already. i love to play here. it’s totally different from home. the weather is different, the grass is different, the bunkers are different. everything is different,” he told asiantour.com.

Past Filipino professionals who also played in the Championship were Frankie Minoza and Cassius Casas. Both did not survive the cut in their respective stints.

the side, his chin quivered as the magnitude of the meltdown hit him. instead, he mouthed one word: ‘’Wow.’’ Wow, indeed. even though els had gone more than two years without winning, and had thrown away two tournaments in recent months with shaky putting, the Big easy felt all along that something special was going to happen at this British Open.

And it did - all because of a collapse by scott that no one saw coming. ‘’i know i let a really great chance slip through my fingers today,’’ scott said.

On a wind-swept afternoon at royal Lytham & st. Annes that blew away the hopes of tiger Woods and a handful of others, scott looked steady as ever by going eight straight holes without making bogey. And that’s when it came undone. ‘’i had it in my hands with four to go,’’ scott said.

A bogey from the bunker on the 15th cut the lead to three. that was followed by a three-putt bogey on the 16th, where his 3-foot par putt spun in and out of the cup and made the gallery gasp. From the middle of the 17th fairway, he hit a 6-iron that turned left, ran down the slope and took one last bounce in shin-high grass.

cast. “i mean (thorbjorn Olesen) was up against the lip with the same kind of lie, but he got it out. i know it was a little higher, but that’s what he had yesterday.”

But Woods wasn’t nearly as lucky as Olesen. He blasted the shot into the face of the bunker, leaving a diabolical shot that had Woods on his knees trying to get it out of the sand the second time around.

Woods managed to play a nifty shot and reach the green but ended up three-putting to card an unfortunate triple bogey that left him seven shots back of Adam scott -- all but ending his chances of winning his fourth Claret Jug.

16

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VOL.5 ISSUE 101 • JULY 24, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Iroy: Be proud to be an athlete

By Neil Bravo

s

UndAY night amidst a sea of local sports stars, Guillermo Jr., the lawyer-sports executive, shook the hands of Guillermo Jr., the doctorCeO. Atty. Guillermo iroy, Jr., former athletic scholar and now the executive director of the country’s sports governing agency, was the epitome of humility and gratitude, as he shook the hands of the man who gave him a scholarship in college as a football player, and later became his stepping stone to a legal education. “i was his scholar. i played football in order to get an education and i used it to the best i can. the rest, as they say, is history,” said iroy, Jr., now the Philippine sports Commission’s top administrative officer.

He was referring to dr.

Guillermo torres, Jr., President of the University of Mindanao, who was one of the guests of honor in the annual awards night for the

PSC executive director Guillermo Iroy, Jr. with UM President and CEO Guillermo Torres, Jr., race car champion Vince Floirendo, SKCSFI chairman So Peng Kee and DOT city’s top athletes. “it’s not easy running the administrative business of the PsC but my training as an athlete helped me a lot,” he said in his speech before a crowd of emerging sportsmen who were all awed by his humble, lowprofile ways. iroy graduated as an athletic scholar from UM, playing for the football squad then coached by the legendary maestro Jose “sensei” te. iroy narrated his experience in sports from his

Regional Director Art Boncato during the 18th So Kim Cheng Sports Awards at the Grand Regal Hotel.

football-playing days to his odd jobs as “runner” for the late sports journalist and Philippine sports Commission regional coordinator Vic sai. “nong Vic was also the runner of the late (sports patron and Philippine Olympic Committee regional head) so Kim Cheng.”

He was later employed as job order with the City sports development Office then moved to the PsC during the term of Commissioner later Chairman William “Butch” ramirez.

He went out of PsC and worked in the Presidential Legal Office in Malacanang during the term of President Macapagal-Arroyo before he was recalled to the PsC by Chairman ricardo Garcia.

“Be proud to be an athlete. Ang sabi nila bobo daw ang athlete. Patunayan ninyo na hindi. Karamihan sa atin hindi galing sa bueno familia, pero magsumikap tayo na makatapos ng pagaaral sa pamamagitan ng sports,” he told the young sports achievers.