Edge Davao 5 Issue 17

EDGEDAVAO

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

VOL.5 ISSUE 17 • MARCH 27, 2012

www.edgedavao.net

Serving a seamless society

Residents oppose cemetery project n Dacovil homeowners want SP to reject memorial park n Dumoy barangay council also oppose project

by Ayan Mellejor

Indulge!

Page A1

The Big News Page 4

sport Page 15

R

ESIDENTS of a subdivision and the barangay government of Dumoy, Davao City are strongly opposing the development of a memorial park on

CONFISCATED TRIKES. Traffic Management Center personnel bring several “trisikads” to the TMC impounding area, The trisikads were confiscated, not just impounded, during a TMC operation

in Barangay Baliok in Toril, it is reportedly a stone’s throw from the Dacoville Subdivision, in Dumoy where there are currently 600 house owners.

Ricardo Jimenez Jr., secretary of the United Residents and Homewoners as-

FRESIDENTS, 13

tricycles either without authority or plying restricted areas like major roads. [KARLOS MANLUPIG]

Sara supports survey on mayoralty bets

By Jade C. Zaldivar

Follow us on

a 5.3-hectare land said to be sitting on the city’s aquifer and adjacent to three water production wells of the Davao City Water District (DCWD).

While the proposed South Grove Memorial Park, Inc. is actually located

D

avao City Mayor Sara DuterteCarpio agrees to the statement of vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, her father, to conduct a survey on who should run for city mayor in the 2013 lo-

n Survey results would influ-

ence Hugpong line-up

cal elections.

Duterte-Carpio agreed with the move, saying the survey would aid candidate selection, since that the survey results would most likely affect the Hug-

pong sa Tawong Lungsod (Hugpong) line-up.

“Tanawon man pud ang winnability (We’ll see through the survey the candidates’ winnability),” Duterte-Carpio said through text messaging . on Sunday, the vice mayor an-

FSARA, 13

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THE BIG NEWS

VOL.5 ISSUE 17• MARCH 27, 2012

Ungab confident on passage of sin taxes D

avao City Rep. Isidro T. Ungab is optimistic that the House of Representatives will be able to approve the so-called Sin Tax Reform Bill when Congress resumes session in May. This developed as majority of the country’s provincial governors have reportedly reached a consensus to support the bill seeking to restructure the excise tax on alcohol and tobacco products.

The bill is one of contentious measures being discussed by the House committee of ways and means headed by Congressman Ungab.

The Davao lawmaker said that broad consensus of the governors was reached during a meeting in Manila of the executive board of the the League of Provinces of the Philippines (LLP) headed by oriental Mindoro Gov. alfonso “Boy” Umali.

In a published statement, Umali said the LPP support the bill because it will generate revenues to finance PPP (public private partnership) projects, reduce smokingrelated expenditures on health services, and save

Ungab

the country’s young and poor from lifestyle diseases.

“We believe that now is the time for us to cross party lines and support this bill. The benefits to our people that would result from this law would affect an entire generation of Filipinos,” Umali was quoted as saying.

Umali concurrently heads the Union of Local authorities of the Philippines, the umbrella organization of the leagues of governors, city mayors, municipal mayors and barangay and other local officials.

Umali also reiterated an earlier consensus of governors of tobacco-producing provinces to win support among congress-

men for House Bill No. 5727 authored by Cavite Rep. Joseph Emilio abaya.

The measure proposes a shift from a multi-tiered to a unitary tax system for cigarettes. Brands currently taxed P5 per pack under the existing would have to pay P40 to P45 in three years. one of the bill’s most vocal supporters, Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson of Ilocos Sur, which is a leading tobacco-producing province, had earlier said HB 5727 would level the playing field by destroying monopolistic pricing and allowing the entry of more producers.

The sin tax issue has pitted Singson against the rest of the so called Northern alliance, which includes his own son, Ilocos Sur Rep. Ryan Singson, which is opposing the proposed modified excise tax system.

Ungab said the bill is up against a powerful lobby that it took his committee a long time to debate on the pros and con of the abaya bill.

He said the bill enjoys the support of Malacanang Palace. [AMA]

40 kids to undergo diagnosis for fatal eye cancer at SPMC

By Lorie A. Cascaro

S

oME 40 children in Mindanao are expected to undergo diagnosis for retinoblastoma, a childhood cancer involving the retina of the eye common among Filipino children.

Retinoblastoma is among the top three admissions at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) Children’s Cancer and Blood Diseases Unit (CCBDU) and the most common solid tumor in CCBDU’s census of new cases from January to June 2011.

Retinoblastoma is caused by early exposure to infections, but Filipinos possess a gene predisposed to retinoblastoma, according to Dr. Mae Do-

It figures

lendo.

She noted that retinoblastoma is fatal if not treated; It is also highly curable when diagnosed in the early stages.

“That’s why we are aggressive in information dissemination because it is better to diagnose the disease early,” she told reporters during the Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao last Monday.

She said the cost of diagnostics and treatment of retinoblastoma is about P80,000, with the most costly part being the diagnosis.

The Retinoblastoma Center will be officially launched in august this year.

Recently, SPMC acquired a retinal camera, the equipment which can

diagnose, document and monitor retinoblastoma.

Dolendo said SPMC is the second of only two institutions in the Philippines with a retinal camera, which was facilitated by the Davao Children’s Cancer Fund and viva Foundation.

SMPC CCBDU’s program for retinoblastoma includes education, referral pathway, database and outcome measurements.

The program is supported by the Khoo Teck Puat – University Children’s Medical Institute outreach Program of the National University Hospital in Singapore and the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital of Tennessee, USa. also at the Kapehan, Edson Beley from the

F40, 13

PEDICURE. A woman gets her nails done in a Osmeña Park in the city on Monday where a group of diligent manicurists and masseurs offer their services. KARLOS MANLUPIG

In Davao City

Economic, physical abuse top VAWC cases

By Jade C. Zaldivar

C

aSES on violence against women and children (vaWC) recorded by the city showed economic and physical abuse as the most frequent forms of maltreatment suffered by women.

Davao City Integrated Gender and Development Division (IGDD), an office under the city mayor, said the trend in the nature of cases reported in the city ‘usually has economic abuse topping the list.’ “ang economic abuse kasi, its nature is not simple.

The main reason for which is that the male partner or the husband ay nangangabit o may kinakasamang iba at hindi na nagbibigay ng sustento sa asawa at ang kanyang mga anak,” IGDD head Lorna Mandin told Edge Davao yesterday.

“Today’s society remains ‘very patriarchal.’ Especially itong economic abuse, it’s an abuse of power, na since ang babae along with the children are economically dependent sa lalaki, feeling ng mga lalaki ay mas powerful sila. They feel na they can leave their families /// Mandin said, adding, “very patriarchal pa rin ang society natin.”

The second most frequent nature of cruelty against women and children are physical abuse. “ang lalaki minsan feeling niya since mas malakas siya physically he can take advantage of his strength, which is wrong,”she said.

The IGDD, which was set up by former city mayor, now vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, provides legal assistance to their clients.

“Pag may nagrereklamo

91.8percent 3.4billion P34.7million 11.5million

LAWYER Dwight Tristan Domingo, acting head of the Davao City Mayor’s Business Bureau, said 31,728 registered business establishments sought renewal of their permits as January 20, deadline for filing of applications for renewal, a yearly activity.

TOTAL number of Americans who have identified themselves as Filipino, either alone or in combination with another race.

Filipinos are now the second largest Asian group in the United States.

PAYMENT that the Manila City government paid in 2001 to Cristina Corona. The wife of Chief Justice Renato C. Corona for a lot in Sampaloc, Manila.

The Commission on Audit (COA) disallowed the payment citing among other grounds, overpricing and failure to submit some requirements.

EDGEDAVAO

TOTAL number of foreigners living in the United States without proper documents, as of January 2011, showing a little difference from 2010 published figures of 11.6 million illegal aliens.

dito sa amin, pinapa-summon namin yung lalaki then we talk to both parties. If the problem is on economic abuse, we have the male partner provide his pay slip then we compare it to the demands na sustento na gusto ng babae. Then we have the male execute an affidavit promising na hindi na niya pababayaan ang nauna niyang pamilya,” Mandin said.

There are cases where, although the male has signed an affidav he does not keep his promise to provide for his family.

Following physical abuse in the frequency rate are cases on psychological abuse, which Mandin explained is an act of degrading a woman.

“This happens in the form of panlalait sa dignidad ng babae, for example yung sinasabihan sila na ‘walay pulos’ o ‘palamunin’ which means na walang halaga ang babae,” Mandin said.

The anti-violence against Women and Children act or Republic act. No. 9262 defines psychological abuse as acts or omissions causing or likely to cause mental or emotional suffering of the victim such as, but not limited to, intimidation, harrassment, staking, damage to property, public ridicule or humiliation, repeated verbal abuse or marital infidelity.

This includes causing or allowing the victim to witness the physical, sexual or psychological abuse of a member of a family to which the victim belongs, or to witness pornography in any form or to witness abusive injury to pets or to unlawful or unwanted deprivation of the right to custody and/or visitation of common-law children.

P57million NET profit of Phinma Corp. in 2011 down from the P640-million bottomline the previous year. The sharp decline was attibuted to the global economic slowdown that adversely affected its steel production and animation businesses.

In Davao City The IGDD has recorded 157 cases on violence against women and their children from January to March 23 this year, 63 in January, 50 in February, and 44 from March 1 to 23.

In 2011, the top five most frequent nature of cases received by IGDD were on (1) economic abuse with 448 cases or 70.66 percent; (2) physical abuse with 73 cases or 11.51 percent; (3) psychological abuse with 33 cases or 5.21 percent; (4) threat with 30 cases or 4.73 percent; and (5) assistant on child custody with 20 cases or 3.15 percent.

Marital infidelity followed with 12 cases: four on sexual harrassment; three cases each for sexual abuse, abandonment, and separation of properties; and two rape cases. one case each was filed for severe alcoholism, assistance for visitation rights, and seeking of legal advice.

The number of cases received by the IGDD reached 634 in 2011.

Tracing back, there were 526 cases received in 2010, 611 in 2009, 497 in 2008, and 363 in 2007.

Warning vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte earlier warned violence against women and children ‘is punishable by law.’ “any form of abuse against women and children is punishable by court of law.

Bantay ra mo madakpan,” Duterte said in connection with the Women’s Month celebration. violence against women (vaW) refers to any act of gender-based violence whether occurring in public or in private life.

P1.38billion

NET profit of mining company Benguet Corp. in 2011. Core operations were boosted by rising metal prices. The bottomline of the company has been positive for the second straight year.

EDGEDAVAO

THE BIG NEWS

VOL.5 ISSUE 17• MARCH 27, 2012

3

Samal Island sports tourism to kick off

S

CONSERVE. Manuel M. Llaneza, Department of Energy (DOE) - Mindanao Field Office Director, addresses the participants of Electricity Conservation in Household and Schools Seminar on Monday at Abreeza Mall, Davao City. LEAN DAVAL, JR.

Rationalize requirements for power, gov’t asked T

HE national government will need to rationalize the current requirements and processes for ventures on power generation facilities if it wants to resolve the ongoing power shortage in Mindanao in a shorter period, an official of a local electric cooperative said.

Engr. Santiago Tudio, general manager of South Cotabato I Electric Cooperative (Socoteco I), said a number of companies had signified to invest in new power generation plants or facilities in Mindanao but most of them later withdrew supposedly due to the stringent requirements set by the government over such projects.

“The problem is that, an investor will need to get 111 government permits and clearances for every power plant that they will put up and the processing of all these requirements usually take about two years,” he said. as a result, Tudio said power investment experts estimated that it would take three to four years for a power plant project to become fully operational.

He cited the case of the 200-megawatt (MW) coal-fired power plant of the alcantaraled Conal Holdings Corp. in Barangay Kamanga, Maasim town in Sarangani that was slated to become

fully operational by the year 2014.

The construction of the US$ 450-million power plant, which will be operated by Conal’s subsidiary Sarangani Energy Corp., formally started in November last year.

“The processes should be cut down to more reasonable level so more investors or companies will be encouraged to invest in power generation,” he said in a radio interview.

Tudio was among the local electric cooperative executives from Mindanao who recently met with Energy Secretary Jose Rene almendras in Manila to discuss various pressing concerns of the island’s power sector.

He said they tackled possible solutions to the worsening power supply deficit in Mindanao that already triggered extended daily rotating brownouts.

During their meeting, Tudio said almendras reiterated that the government prefers the utilization of coal energy to ease Mindanao’s power supply shortage, which is pegged at an average of 142.5 MW based on estimates made by the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP). according to the NGCP’s power supply outlook for this week, Mindanao’s power

generation capacity stands at 1,142 MW while the peak demand was estimated at an average of 1,284.5 MW. The deficit, which was reportedly caused by the dwindling capacity of the National Power Corporation’s hydroelectric plants, has so far triggered daily rotational brownouts extending to about 12 hours in several parts of Mindanao.

In Socoteco I’s service area, which comprises Koronadal City and eight neighboring municipalities in South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat provinces, it implements daily power curtailments of one to two hours.

In this city, Socoteco II implements two-hour daily curtailments but officials said the situation may worsen in the coming weeks due to the unstable condition of NPC’s power plants.

“There’s no immediate solution to this problem right now and I think we have to contend with it until the Maasim coal plant becomes operational in two years,” Tudio said. aside from the Maasim plant, he said they are also pinning their hopes on aboitiz Power Corporation’s 200-MW coal plant in Davao City that was also targeted to become operational by

2014.

He added that San Miguel Corp. (SMC) is also finalizing the plans for its proposed 150-MW coalfired power plant in this city.

SMC has been building up its presence in nearby South Cotabato province following its earlier acquisition of a major coal mining project in Barangay Ned in Lake Sebu town.

Sultan Energy Philippines Corp. sold its coal mine project in Lake Sebu in June 2010 to SMC, which also holds the coal operating contract of Daguma agro Minerals Inc. in the same area.

Studies said the coal mining area, which is part of the mineralrich Daguma Mountain Range, contains 426 million metric tons of coal deposits. Initial exploration and drilling results have blocked 55 million metric tons of reserves that can be mined in 526 hectares of the mountain range.

Tudio said SMC was bent on pursuing their coal plant project despite earlier findings that the area’s coal deposits were not yet mature or fully developed.

“But they (SMC) will reportedly be putting up a plant that was designed to process the type of coal deposits found in Lake Sebu,” he added. [AlleN V. estAbillo/MiNdANews]

PoRTS tourism development in the Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte will officially start by the second week of april.

The sports tourism hub bid of the entire province is anchored on the Ugmad Komunidad (Nurturing Communities) program launched last February 27.

Provincial sports officer Giovanni I. Gulanes said after the three-day roadshow was conducted in Talikud Island last week by the Ugmad Komunidad team, consolidation of data shall be made next week in order to jumpstart the implementation of specific and necessary interventions for the development of sports tourism in the area by next month.

He said the Ugmad Komunidad team is composed of the Community affairs office of the Provincial Social Welfare Development office (PSWDo), Provincial Tourism Division, Provincial Sports Division, Provincial Manpower and Livelihood Division, and Provincial Information Technology Division, which are all under the assistant Provincial administrator’s office.

The roadshow was attended by the members of the Barangay Development Council (BDC) consisting of barangay officials, barangay functionaries’ representatives, councils of women, farmers, youth, among others, from the pilot barangays/villages of Sta. Cruz, Dadatan, Linusutan, and Cogon.

Provincial assistant administrator Romulo D. Tagalo said the roadshow is

part of the social preparation with the primary aim of evaluating the real situation of the area.

“By doing so,” Tagalo said, “the Ugmad Komunidad team shall be able to distinguish what interventions shall be made.”

Tagalo added that during the roadshow, participants were oriented on the available resources and community issues, as well as the dreams that they would like to achieve as a community.

It was also discussed on the three-day activity that the participants’ suggestions shall be communicated with the Ugmad Komunidad partners like the Department of Tourism (DoT), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Science and Technology (DoST), Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE), and Technical Education and Skills Development authority (TESDa) so that proper execution of plans will be considered.

“This will ensure that these communities will be nurtured by developing their tourism potential, encouraging sports tourism, and developing their skills as they reap the fruits of tourism development as a whole,” Tagalo said. aside from its pristine waters, Talikud is also home to caves and small waterfalls, tourism sites that will surely entice local and foreign tourists to visit. on sports tourism, Talikud is proud to announce that it can host triathlon events.

It is an islet adjacent to the main island of Samal. [PNA]

Ayala Land soon to open Kukun Hotel

T

he ayala Land, Inc. will open soon Kukun Hotel in Davao City, its second hotelbrand, right in front of abreeza Mall, the ayala Mall in this city. ayala Land, Inc. vice president Maria Rowena Tomeldan, who is also operations and support services commercial business group head, said in a press briefing on Monday at abreeza Mall that Kukun Hotel is scheduled to formally open on the first quarter next year.

She described the hotel as “very modern” with about 186 rooms that will be located at the front side of abreeza Mall.

Tomeldan said within this year, the hotel would open its four-storey business process outsourcing (BPo) building right from the malls’ 4th floor up to the 7th floor.

She said new and best brands would be seen at the upcoming BPo building to maintain its goal of bringing “the first and best in Davao.” at the mall’s 3rd floor will also surface the retail stores where Davaoeños could enjoy the retail experience, said Clavel Tongo, abreeza Mall general manager.

She said that the mall was now 95 percent leased out.

She said top local retailers as well as three big new

international brands with big names would dominate the retailers section.

She, however, reserved to name the first big brands and assured to reveal as soon as the tenants confirmed their presence next month.

Gel Ferrer, ayala Malls marketing manager, said Kukun Hotel-Davao is the second ayala Hotel brand in the Philippines, the first is at Fort Bonifacio at the National Capital Region. The hotel is another major project within the multi-billion mixed-use ayala Complex in Davao City. after almost a year since abreeza Mall opened in May, 2011, it also continued heading to an upward trend.

Luigi Escano, abreeza Mall operations manager, named some of the upcoming new and first brands to open in abreeza Mall soon among others, as Posh Nails, Crispy Cream, Highlands Coffee (one of vietnam’s best coffee).

“We want to provide Davao with new experiences in terms of taste and fashion,” he said.

Tomeldan also underscored that the ayala Land, Inc., principal owner of abreeza Mall, would maintain its another major goal to give space to homegrown concepts at the mall.

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THE BIG NEWS

VOL.5 ISSUE 17• MARCH 27, 2012

New Central 911 OIC vows to level-up its performance

By Jade C. Zaldivar

a

SOCIAL WELFARE. Marilou Bermudo of the City Social Service and Development Office said on Monday that the city is maximizing their efforts to deliver various social services to the residents of Davao. [KARlos MANlUPiG]

Big changes come to a small Gawad Kalinga community

By Lorie A. Cascaro

o

F the 16 sites under the Gawad Kalinga (GK) project in Davao City, GK Pueblo antonio stands out as the model village, according to project director Jaime Severino. Since 2005, the community has undergone big changes. “ang mga tao karon kugihan na, kabalo na sa panglawas ug kabalo na modala sa kaugalingon kumpara sa una (The people now are hardworking, health conscious and know how to take care of themselves unlike before),” he told Edge Davao.

Severino pointed out that, aside from having their houses, the greatest change he observed is their values transformation, admitting that, for one, those who used to drink alcohol more than they worked for a living had really changed for the better.

“Bisan asa man nga komunidad naay palahubog, pero nabag-o gyud ilang kinaiya. Pwede man mag-inom pero moderate lang dili pasobrahan nga magasto na nila ang kwarta nga para sa pangeskwela sa ilang mga anak, pangkaon, ug uban pa (There are drunkards in any community, but they had changed their attitude. Drinking is allowed only in moderation, not to the point of spending money allotted for the children’s tuition, food, etc.),” he said.

He cited some programs they have implemented in the community, including health, education, and values formation.

There are special sessions on values formation where everyone is encouraged to attend regardless of his or her religious affiliations, he said. and this, he believes, has contributed so much in transforming the villagers’ outlook in life.

Each family beneficiary was given 1,300 square meters of land for farm-

ing, aside from the lot they have for their houses, Severino said. organized into a cooperative for their farm products, the farmers have a total of two-hectares of ube farm, and currently are contracted to supply about 20 tons of ube a year to Selecta, a company producing varieties of ice cream products sold nationwide.

Samuel Escamis, municipal agricultural officer of Toril district, said a proposal for a processing facility to make ube powder has already been submitted. He added that farmers will earn more if they process their own products such that a kilo of powdered ube cosat P100, while a kilo of raw ube is sold for P18.

They are also cultivating another two hectares of passion fruit farm from which Profood International Corporation, a juice drink manufacturer in Toril, is buying some passion fruits, Escamis said.

Similarly, the farmers are anticipating for equipment that will process passion fruits into juice. Fortunately, this facility will arrive on March 26. This extractor will be sponsored by Human

EDGEDAVAO

Nature, a company using organic ingredients for its lifestyle products, that will soon buy passion fruit juice from them.

The same equipment will be used to extract sunflower oil from their 1.5-hectare demonstration farm of sunflowers.

Human Nature will also buy sunflower oil, which costs more than P2,000 per kilo, from them.

Next month, Severino will attend a seminar on cultivation of bees to ultimately begin in their village a honeybee project whose bees will act as pollinators of their sunflowers and producers of honey.

Meanwhile, their projects do not stop there as more private entities will be donating either land to till or technologies to use in farming, Escamis said.

Severino’s village may be considered fortunate for being a recipient of many projects geared for agricultural developments in the city. What made them fortunate, perhaps, was not pure luck, but their willingness and determination to improve their lives, not only economically but holistically as members of a thriving society.

READY FOR HARVEST. GK Project Director Severino shows a sunflower that is ready for harvest.

N extensive audit of Davao City’s Central 911 has started on orders of Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, even as newly-appointed officer in charge Emmanuel Jaldon admits ‘there’s a lack of equipment.’

But instead of requesting for new equipment, Jaldon said what’s more important is that ‘the personnel are performing and equipment utilized to their maximum extent.’

“What we’re now looking forward to, what our goal is for the Central 911’s performance to level-up,” Jaldon told Edge Davao.

“I recognize the need for additional ambulances, but no matter how much you add new equipment if management of the people isn’t efficient then that wouldn’t be called an improvement,” Jaldon said in an interview.

“The people are demanding for service and we’re taking our service one level higher to meet that,” he added.

Jaldon was installed into position almost instantly after the issue on the city’s emergency response unit was raised to the mayor early this month. after then Central 911 chief Ret. Col. verner Monsanto, its head since its creation, was recalled to the city mayor’s office, Jaldon was appointed officer in charge.

The mayor announced that the Central 911 will undergo ‘extensive audit of personnel, equipment, and management operations’ in order to pin-point it’s problems.

Duterte-Carpio had said that Central 911 personnel serving as members of the emergency response body had ‘failed to be loyal to their job, they answered complaints with their own complaints.’

“The people have the right to complain because Central 911 runs on public funds,” the lady mayor said.

Cooperative asked about the current work atmosphere at Central 911, Jaldon said the personnel “have been very cooperative. I’ve no problems in dealing with them. They have been very cooperative,” Jaldon said.

Jaldon said his first move as oIC was to conduct an orientation and familiarize himself with the Central 911 personnel.

“I meet with the unit

chiefs from time to time and they brief me on their groups’ performance, how efficient they were,” Jaldon said.

“We’re now looking into the efficiency of all of their operations, activities, materials, and the conditions of the equipments,” he added.

The city mayor said one employee, a male, had tendered his resignation following the meeting at the DCRC March 15.

Duterte-Carpio welcomed this as she said the male employee was one of eight City Hall employees last year who showed positive on the regular drug testing of the Philippine Drug Enforcement agency 11.

“I was surprised ngano naa pa siya sa 911 because dapat after ato na nag-positive siya sa drugs he should have been terminated,” the mayor said. asked whether there have been other resignations, Jaldon concurred.

He however clarified that the resignations ‘have nothing to do with recent events.’ “adding to the resignation of one personnel, after the meeting at the (Davao City Recreation Center), there have been two,” Jaldon said.

“But this had nothing to do with recent events.

Their resignation was scheduled prior pa. one was because of physical health and yung isa is for reason of a greener pasture, nakakuha siya ng ibang trabaho,” Jaldon said.

Operational assessment The Central 911 oIC said he is ‘in regular communication’ with the city-mayor as the internal audit of 911, as conducted by a 3rd party, has started.

“The assessment has started. I do not like to use the word audit kasi.

It’s more on assessing how effective is the operations of the units under 911, its equipments and it’s personnel structure,” Jaldon said.

Jaldon said a team of approximately ten people from the private sector has started its assessment on the Central 911’s medical response, logistics, data, and call center among others.

“They are not just from the academe but they come from different agencies. They’re a 3rd party as they do not come from the local government and they do not come from the 911. They have different and specific specialties,” Jaldon said.

He said that once the assessment is made, they

will be reporting to the city mayor.

“The time given to us was 45 days so we will done next month but much better if we’ll be able to have it earlier,” Jaldon said.

350 employees Jaldon said they are yet to know of the 120 names mentioned by the city mayor whom are yet to be identified by the Human Resource Management officer (HRMo).

The city mayor earlier said the HRMo has 517 names registered as employees of the Central 911 however they ‘are yet to see the faces of 120 names.’ “out of the 517 names nga naa sa masterlist of employees sa Central 911, we are now looking for 120. Kaning 120 mao ni sila ang wala nag-show up sa DCRC meeting , ug wala pud sa attendance sa skeletal force – katong mga nagstay sa Central 911 headquarters at that time nga naga-meeting,” DuterteCarpio said.

Jaldon said in his own tally, there are only 350 employees ‘physically present at the 911.’

He however added that the discrepancy could be attributed to the augmentation of personnel from Central 911 to other peace-keeping units of the city. “ang head-count namin of the personnel is 350 but as to what I know there has been re-assignments of personnel from 911 to the (Public Safety Command Center), sa Traffic Eagle Squad. They function as drivers. But we are yet to clarify kung ilang mga taong ito,” Jaldon said.

The city mayor said ‘flushing out’ unidentified employees under the Central 911 is one of the many goals of an internal audit.

Jaldon also affirmed the city mayor’s orders to renew the contracts of all names registered under the Central 911 so as to find out ‘who are the real employees of 911 and who are not.’

“Kung naay mureklamo ngano wala narenew ang ilang contract, and they express their desire to work then we will renew their contract.

If they will not show their faces then it’s considered that they have resigned,” Duterte-Carpio said.

“This is our way of flushing them out. Wala mi intention nga pugson sila i-terminate but we have no intention of paying for people na hindi naman natin mapapakinabangan,” she added.

EDGEDAVAO

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

5 Job hunting tougher for fresh grads VOL.5 ISSUE 17• MARCH 27, 2012

a

CCoRDING to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), over 500,000 college students nationwide are anticipated to graduate this month, prepared to embark in the work arena and go about achieving their ultimate goal in life beyond the parameters of the school campus.

Many fresh graduates are uncertain if they could really land a job immediately -- hearing a lot on how difficult it is getting to be employed in the country at present. Being a graduating student myself, I am no special not to experience the same sentiment they have. atty. Julito vitriolo, CHED executive director, said in an interview with the Philippines News agency (PNa) that landing a job is tougher today amidst the proliferation of contractual employment in the country. a stiff competition should also be expected as fewer jobs become available to a lot of first-time job seekers who have to compete with other still unemployed individuals.

THE ECONOMY

Young people are also three times more likely to be unemployed than adults as reported by the International Labor organization (ILo) since most employers nowadays seek applicants with sufficient work experience.

With this in mind, it seems that graduating students should gear up for more challenging days after graduation rites are completed.

Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz said in a statement that job hunting could be a difficult process for fresh graduates, but when approached with enough knowledge and confidence, it may lead to change and fulfillment in life.

“Job search is a process. It may be tiring, frustrating, and disappointing. But it need not be traumatic. For those who are ready, it can be a fulfilling and life-changing experience, particularly if one approaches the task with adequate knowledge and confidence that springs from self-worth and skills to position the job seeker

in a fiercely competitive marketplace,” Baldoz explained.

She said that first-time job seekers should take the opportunity that their first jobs will offer as these may give them enough experience and skills. “accept the first job that comes your way and which fit your qualifications. This is the way to earn experience and pick up job-ready skills,” Baldoz stressed.

She noted that, “it’s no secret that employers are looking for people with skills more relevant to the current economy, and one of the greatest things future job seekers can do is prepare themselves for this shift.”

Despite these issues on employment, new graduates should still be optimistic for their future as the employment rate of the country is on the uptrend, according to the latest survey results.

The National Statistics office (NSo) released the result of the January 2012 Labor Force Survey (LFS) of the country, which revealed that employment rate increased

from 92.6 percent in January 2011 to 92.8 by January 2012.

Unemployment also decreased to 7.2 percent in January 2012 from 7.4 percent a year ago.

The CHED has reminded graduating students that the agency could only help in their preparation for the competitive marketplace ahead but it is still up to them wether they will make it in their prospective jobs. at this moment, it is best for fresh graduates to grab every opportunity that comes along their way because, as they say, it only comes once in a lifetime.

Take the right choices and follow what the CHED executive director advised Batch 2012: “Try hard. Don’t lose hope.” as half a million college students graduate this March, government institutions and agencies have prepared to assist them in their new journey from the school campus to the workplace to enter the competitive job market of today.

He said micro finance services are no longer limited to rural banks and cooperatives as commercial establishments and other small institutions can also provide access to these services. abenoja said they have observed that financial institutions have become aggressive in offering micro finance prod-

ucts, although specializing in these are cooperative banks and micro finance institutions.

He assured that the country has enough regulator frameworks to ensure microfinance produces being offered by licensed institutions are safe and well-managed. ”The response has been positive. We have been recog-

nized internationally as running the best micro-financial programs,” he said.

The Economist Intelligence Unit of London made a study on micro-finance in 54 countries in 2010 and ranked the Philippines second in having the overall best micro-finance business environment.

National Credit Council Director Joselito almario said the country would have been first, but it was dragged down because it ranked low in its investment climate ranking. almario explained that peace and order problems in Mindanao, issues of graft and corruption in government and poor infrastructure led to a rank of 18 in investment climate.

However, he said in a later study released in october last year, the Philippines now ranked first in overall microfinance business environment. as the micro finance industry has “grown significantly” in the past five years, abenoja believes the lack of banks in some municipalities of the country allows more room to grow.

He noted that an informal survey showed that less than 20 to 30 percent of the population are deemed eligible to open a bank account and that on average, a person holds only two deposit accounts.

He said that if this is the case, the country could use more institutions that could offer micro financing. (PNA)

BSP: There is room for growth for micro-finance

a

N official of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said there is room for more financial institutions, noting that 37 to 40 percent of the country’s towns have no banks.

Zeno Ronald abenoja, BSP economic and financial learning director, said financial institutions have now shown interest in engaging in micro finance.

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

(PNA)

FRESH CATCH. Fisher folk-members of KALAHI-CIDSS Farmers and Fisherfolk Association of Tagabebe (KAFFASTA) arrive from their fishing trip. The organization was formed to manage the capability building sub-project of Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) Project, which includes the setting up of fish shelter (payao). 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

6

THE ECONOMY

VOL.5 ISSUE 17• MARCH 27, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Globe’s $790-M modernization of network takes off in Davao

G

LoBE Telecom is expecting to complete its modernization of its network in Davao City within the next four months. aT a media briefing in Marco Polo Friday night, George Peter Bithos, the company’s head of Consumer Division, said the company is already on its second phase of the project which is the rolling out of fiber optic cables.

The first phase was the improving of the basic infrastructure facilities like base stations, while the last part will be the improving of the core facilities of the company like its offices, Bithos ex-

plained after the program that was also attended by vice Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte.

The $790 million five-year modernization program, which was started in December last year, made the city as its takeoff point after taking notice that it is among the areas in Mindanao where the company is second only to the leading Smart Communications.

“We want to become the top player in the industry (here) and we want to offer better services to our clients here,” he added, pointing out that in some of the cities in Mindanao like Cagayan

de oro and General Santos, the company is in better position.

The press statement of the company said the city was chosen “for the implementation of the network change-out beginning December last year, resulting in doubled mobile telephony capacity in the area to support growing customer demand and improvements in voice and SMS (short messaging system) service quality.”

The company, Mr. added, is about 30-40% of the market nationwide, he added, although he did not mention how much of the project funding is

By Ayan Mellejor

businesses are micro and small-medium enterprises and 96 percent of these have workers on job contracts.

Since last year, the government with the help of the asian Development Bank (aDB) embarked on advocacy campaign to encourage the enhancement of microinsurance products and services by private sector targeting the poor at a least cost and simple process for insurance coverage. The aDB provided US$1-million grant for advocacy campaign and other technical component strategy.

The money was released through DoF. according to almario, the poor are “high risk” market in terms of vulnerability to unforeseen circumstances such as natural calamities.

Insurance Commissioner Emmanuel Dooc said they are targeting

27% of the population.

“This is an ambitious target”, he said. He stressed that microinsurance is designed to address the poor constituents, who do not normally buy insurance products because it beyond their means.

He further said there are already certificates of insurance issued worth P3.1-million. Dooc however, felt this not yet enough.

Dooc said, the microinsurance policy is offered at cheaper price ranging ranging from P1.00 to P20.00 per day. The products range from health, accident, fire, disability and loss of lives and properties due to calamities with a maximum coverage not exceeding P200,000.00.

It is estimated that for a poor family, the maximum coverage can already provide 16.5 months or 500 days of lost income resulting from a contingent event. ayan Mellejor

and other areas in the visayas.

“We have to pinpoint the real culprit. There must be an explanation to all these unnecessary sufferings we are experiencing,” he said. at the same time, he lauded the reported decision of transport authorities in Northern Mindanao to reduce bus fares to help residents recover from the damage caused by the recent tropical storm “Sendong”.

“The order signed by LTFRB chairman Jaime Jacob and the board members was grounded mainly on humanitarian and charita-

ble consideration. We salute this move,” Nograles said. according to Nograles, the Mindanao power problem could not have been experienced without possible collusion, noting the under-capacity power output of hydro-electric power plants.

“If it is found out that the power problem is but an artificial result of sabotage, this is a crime which deserves the harshest of penalties,” he said, adding that Congress must also look into the loopholes of the law dealing with economic sabotage and related statutes which must be amended.

Micro-insurance providers target ‘high risk’ groups as ‘goldmines’

F

ISHERMEN, drivers, construction workers and other informal income earners are “goldmines” for microinsurance coverage if providers have the right product and right pricing. according to Joselito almario, department executive of the Department of Finance (DoF) – National Credit Council, 66 percent of the more or less 30-million employed informal sectors are not insured but, are source of millions for microinsurance companies. This is why, the regular insurance providers have already set their eyes on these sectors. almario, who was in town for an advocacy campaign on microinsurance, said the informal sectors are a huge market considering that 99.percent of the total number of

Karlo sees economic sabotage in Mindanao power shortage

“

MINDaNao could not be lacking in power sources like its hydro power sources and other power alternatives. I hope it is not human greed for the power of money that is causing all our woes.”

This was declared by Davao City Rep. Karlo alexei Nograles recently.

He said the current power shortages in many parts of Mindanao could be a perfect example of economic sabotage, a crime against people.

The Davao lawmaker strongly endorsed a Congressional inquiry into the continuing power black out in many parts of Mindanao

devoted to its Davao modernization.

Mr. Duterte welcomed the step of the company, saying the city needs the modernization effort will place the city in a better situation especially in luring investors into investing in the information and communications technology industry in the city.

“We would need better facilities and communications (capabilities),” the vice mayor said.

The city is among the top areas in the country in the information and communications technology industry.

Mr. Bithos added

that the company’s modernization program has 10 teams implementing the project, with three of them in Mindanao, three in the visayas and four in Luzon.

Based on its press statement, the company said the project, which is its “most significant investment of Globe in the last two decades, includes an all-IP (Internet protocol) infrastructure, pervasive 3G (third generation) coverage, double fiber optics capacity, 4G (fourth generation) and LTE (long term evolution readiness, and overall quality and resiliency.” “once completed,

Globe envisions a robust and resilient network that can provide an unparalleled customer experience to truly set the company apart from competition,” it said, adding that its systems “are not only designed to address all current customer needs but would also have the capacity and capability for more sophisticated use of mobile and broadband technologies.” asked whether this would result in higher rates, Mr. Bithos said this will not considering that in the industry, there is only one direction for pricing to go and that is “down.”

protecting the environment.

They suggested regional governments create an environment to encourage more investment in developing the new sources of energy and applying technologies to production of clean energy and efficient power saving.

They said the biggest barrier to building an effective energy market is to define properly the prices of electricity, coal and liquefied gas.

Currently, the governments often fix the prices lower than the production prices, which make many power companies suffer from financial instability and can not expand production to meet the market’s increasing demand.

The incorrect prices also make the investment environment less attractive to investors in the field.

To define fuel prices flexibly upon the market demand will help provide an environment for fair competitiveness, thus businesses are

forced to use effective power saving, they said.

Regarding regional cooperation on energy, participants highlighted successful examples in South asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal), Southeast asia (vietnam, China and countries in the Greater Mekong sub-region), and aPEC, with enhancement of power security, improvement of power saving, and clean power supply.

The regional initiative “Smart power network” also attracted attention of the participants, along with the United Nations’ goals to make 2012 the year of “Sustainable energy for all Countries” and for new approach to power users with reducing cost.

Participants also discussed development of nuclear power in asia, and made practical recommendations on power policies in region and in vietnam in particular, for sustainable economic growth. [PNA/

Sustainable energy highlighted at Asia-Pacific Energy Summit

E

NERGY structure.

Designing efficient and flexible energy market. advantages of regional cooperation and new technology potentials. Solutions to deal with challenges due to increasing demands for energy and climate change.

These are the main contents put under discussion by participants to the 3-day asia-Pacific Energy Summit 2012 in Hanoi, vietnam from March 20 to 22.

Themed “Innovative Generation: Powering a Prosperous asia,” and jointly held by the Diplomatic academy of vietnam and the U.S. National Bureau of asia Research, the conference attracted 150 researchers, policy makers and business people from nearly 20 countries, reported local vietnam News agency Friday.

Participants shared a view that asia is facing with challenges due to the increasing demand on energy for economic growth.

This requires regional countries to quickly renovate the energy system and shift to use new sources of energy and renewable energy, and expand the power distribution network and consumption to rural and remote areas, aimed at maintaining high economic growth for sustainable development, reducing poverty and

Quips

XiNhUA]

‘THE massive infusion of investments for building construction as well as other business interests is a result of good governance practices by our local government units.’

--Region 11 Director Ma. Lourdes D. Lim of the National Economic and Development Authority

EDGEDAVAO

Fifteen tips for buying property

T

HESE are my personal tips that you should consider when buying a property. By no stretch of the imagination are these wise words from an expert, although an expert may share some general consensus on a few of the tips.

1. Research is the key always do research.

You can never do enough research. a lot of people dive into the property market head first and blind folded, and that’s when people make bad purchases. If you like a property, find out about the surrounding area; find out the local crime rate, find out how much properties in the area recently sold for. Find out EvERYTHING. There are tonnes of websites out there that will give you all these details at no cost.

2. Prepare yourself financially Financially prepare yourself before you make any offers- get financially sorted. Make sure you can afford the property. Make sure you have taken every cost into consideration, like conveyancing solicitors, stamp duty, survery fees, Estate agent (if they apply)� fees etc. Most importantly, make sure you can get the financial backing you need.

3. Structural Survey always get a structural survey done. With the newer homes, the basic or mid-ranged survey is fine. But with older properties, definitely get the higher-level inspection. Sure this may add expenses onto your limited budget, but it could� potentially save you thousands. Regardless, most Mortgage lenders will insist on a structural survey, as they won’t want to help you finance a house that’s about to fall apart.

4. Property fittings Make sure you ask what comes with the property before you make an offer. a lot of houses are presented beautifully, especially with fitted bathrooms and kitchens.

You may get a nasty shock when you move in only to find the previous owners took the fittings with them.

5. Stay away from the asking price Never offer the asking price, even if you’re in love with a particular property. Sellers/Estate agents� usually add on a few thousand pounds

PROPERTY

VOL.5 ISSUE 17• MARCH 27, 2012

from the actual value of the property, because they expect offers to always be below asking price. Be risky, and make a cheeky offer- you maybe surprised.

6. The Property Market Find out how long a property has been on the market for from your Estate agent. If a property you’re in love with has been on the market for a long period of time, ask yourself why; be suspicious. If the property is legit, and for some odd reason it’s not selling, then make a low offer.

7. Control your emotions Never act overly keen to either the seller or your Estate agent. The Estate agent and seller both have one thing in common- they want the buyer to spend as much as possible. Remember, the Estate agent is working for the seller, not the buyer. If you act overly keen, they will make you spend more money than necessary. Buying property is like playing a game of poker- you need to play the game with a face of stone.

8. Be patient Don’t let your patience get the better of you. Never rush into buying a property; buying a house is a big deal and will effect your life. There is an art to buying property, and patience is a big part of it. Impatience leads to expensive and inadequate purchases. If your patience is the direct reason of losing out on a deal, don’t worry, properties come and go on the market. on the other hand, your impatience could be the direct reason of making a bad purchase, and consequently throwing your money down the drain.

9. The future is important Think about the unforeseeable future. The property market is a very uncertain area. Interest rates can increase at any time, and that will have direct impact on your monthly mortgage repayments. You may be out of work for a period of time, would you still be able to afford the monthly mortgage payments?

10. an empty property looks so much different Imagine the property is empty- do not be fooled by props a seller has strategically planned. once a house is stripped from all

7

Lapanday opens 200-ha multi-use development project in Buhangin

By Carlo P. Mallo

a

BoUT 200 hectares of what used to be a banana plantation is now a carefully crafted, master-planned real estate development that promises to be the next business district of Davao City.

Dubbed as Ciudades, the master planned community is like a wellplanned city complete with zones for industrial, commercial, and residential spaces.

Unlike other real estate projects, the first phase of the project is already ready to accept locators. Roads, drainage systems, and even a perimeter fence have already been set up.

Ciudades is owned by Lapanday Properties Philippines, Inc and will be developed by real estate giants like Sta. Lucia Realty and Robinsons Land.

“Lapanday has always been committed to the development of the Davao and Mindanao, as shown by our long track record in the property and fresh produce industries in the region,” Tomas P. Lorenzo, president of Lapanday Properties, said. “With Ciudades, we are adding another milestone to the city, setting the stage for future developments. We firmly believe that this project will open up new business opportunities and new choices for the market.” on-going projects inside the Ciudades development are several gated residential communities like Las Palmas verdes, Nizanta Homes, and altea Homes.

For the industrial segment, the 20-hectare First Mindanao Industrial Park is also underway.

Located withing the park are unique mixeduse areas, including the Business-Industrial-Residential Estate wherein business, industrial, and residential uses coexist and are merged in one community.

With all the modern components, efficient utilities, and attractive pricing that Lapanday Properties has built into Ciudades, the new real estate project looks like it will have a brighter future.

it’s wrapping, you maybe surprised how different she, I mean, IT, looks.

Check behind and under the furniture, because you never know what surprises maybe hidden away- peeling wallpaper, stained carpets etc.

11. Don’t forget your neigbourhood are you looking for a peaceful area? Remember, an Estate agent is working with the seller to get a maximum sale value- they will arrange viewings at optimum times. When you view a property, the surrounding area may be quiet and peaceful.

Consider what the noise maybe like at times you haven’t been there.

12. Damp properties

Smell for dampness.

Touch the walls; feel if they’re damp. always be suspicious if a home is overly heated and sprayed with overpowering fragrances.

13. The roof can be costly to fix Check the tiles on the roof. a lot of people neglect the roof when inspecting a house, and that’s exactly where a lot of people have to shell out a lot of expenses.

This especially applies to older properties.

14. Location is just as important as the property Finding the dream house is always great.

But what about your dream location? Does it

contain all your essentials, like a local groceries, schools etc. Don’t just focus on the property; focus on the bigger picture.

Make sure the local area is equipped for your requirements.

15. Shop around for property You can never find the right property after

Quips

one viewing; even if you think otherwise. Make sure you take your time looking at several difference properties. Don’t just look in one area, be a little open minded and open yourself to possibilities. You’ll get a better idea of what your hard earned cash can actually get you.

‘I may have differences with my daughter sa governance, but it’s nothing personal. If she wants to be mayor again for another term I will spend for her.

She’s my daughter.’

--Vice Mayor Rodrigo R. duterte

8 VANTAGE POINTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.5 ISSUE 17• MARCH 27, 2012

Of monickers and aliases The eye

by Manuel “Nel” Ruiz

T

EDITORIAL

CJ Corona and the economy

M

aNY Filipinos who had been glued to their television sets when the Impeachment Trial of Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona was being aired almost daily before the Senate went into a Holy Week respite are now wondering whether the conviction or exoneration of the chief magistrate would affect the country’s economy.

The question is asked because it is widely believed that Corona’s trial has something to do with President aquino’s much-vaunted campaign against graft and corruption which, if successful, will make the Philippines a lot more attractive to investors. on the other hand, if Corona is not removed, he would be a stumbling block in the campaign because of his perceived closeness to former President Gloria Macapagal-arroyo, now the initial target of several big graft charges.

What then if Corona is cleared and continues to be the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court? Would such a verdict by the Impeachment Court be a setback to the campaign of President Noynoy to win back the confidence of investors and instead make them withdraw from the country?

“Not a chance,” says economist Gico G. Dayanghirang, whom Edge Davao requested to discuss the scenario in an opinion piece yesterday. Dayanghirang once served as congressman from the first district of Davao oriental (not Davao City as erroneously reported).

Dayanghirang believes that the aquino administration has done enough ground work to strengthen the country’s economic fundamentals as to be ruined

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Door 14 ALCREJ Building, Quirino Avenue, 8000, Davao City, Philippines Tel: (082) 301-6235 Telefax: (082) 221-3601 www.edgedavao.net editorial@edgedavao.net marketing@edgedavao.net

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by a mere political setback such as the acquittal of Chief Justice Corona.

The former lawmaker rattled off some initiatives which impressed him. There is close monitoring and serious collection of tax obligations. Cases are being filed against suspected tax-evaders, including boxing hero, Rep. Manny Pacquiao. There is a regular inventory of national government and direct and online payment of salaries and wages is being implemented to avoid payroll padding. Infrastructure project costs are being standardized to prevent overpricing. National government purchases will soon be centralized through a single commissary for close monitoring and cost control. Local governments’ share from national tax collection are to be automatically retained to stop the practice of lobbying with and bribing national officials responsible for allocating funds.

Dayanghirang claims that credit rating institutions have taken notice of these and other reforms, even as the country can now access external funds at low interest rates. He said the pump-priming planned by the government is expected to improve the economy further.

He argues that if Corona is acquitted and the majority will not like it, the outrage will not be vented on the economy but on senator-judges, especially those who will run in the 2013 elections.

Dayanghirang’s thesis makes a lot of sense, but many Filipinos may not agree with it. The disagreement should make waiting for the Impeachment Trial to resume in May become more interesting.

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. QUISIDIO • 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

RICHARD C. EBONA IMELDA P. LEE Advertising Specialists

AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Circulation

CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING OFFICE

LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager Unit 6, Southbank Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts. Cagayan de Oro City Tel: (088) 852-4894

MANILA MARKETING OFFICE

ANGELICA R. GARCIA | Marketing Manager Blk. 1, Lot 10, La Mar Townhomes, Apitong St., Marikina Heights, Marikina City Tel: (02) 942-1503

HERE is something in our Filipino culture that we simply can’t shake off, wherever we are. This is the funny or, more often than not, derisive use of monickers to express our approval or displeasure over a person. Who hasn’t heard of common aliases such as Boy Tigas or Boy Bungi in the neighborhood? or even the vulgar Carlang Kiri or Lornang Landi in the office? after being exposed to such fiendishly titillating words such as Imeldific (to describe excessive and ostentatious display of wealth with obvious reference to the lifestyle of a former First Lady), there is now a new monicker being peddled which is less flattering and hilariously insulting ----- “noynoying”. Noynoying refers to the state of being lazy and not doing anything.. short of daydreaming and just staring into space, a good– fornothing state.

These militants hit the nail right on the head. Noynoy lacks the charisma of his famous parents, that is a fact. also, no major accomplishments in his term except to blame and quarrel with his predecessor, cause her to be jailed and of late, cause a chief justice to be on trial --- the first in Philippine history.

Such an embarrassment to the international community. I’m afraid the whole shebang will make potential investors think twice before investing in the Philippines, given the impression that ours is a very unstable and volatile system.

So the next time somebody tells you you are “noynoying” don’t take it as a compliment. You are not being presidential. You are being a bum.

Never A Dull Moment Talking about the Corona impeachment trial, I cannot help but guffaw to death whenever I watch it on Tv, most especially when senator judge Miriam Defensor-Santiago takes on center stage. For all her eccentricities, you gotta give it to that tough lady. She really knows how to put up a good show with her theatrical gestures and semantics which really breaks the ice and the monotony.

To Gun Ban Or Not? Father vice and daughter Mayor have both raised valid points for and against the current gun ban in Davao City. This gun ban is presently on an experimental phase and may or may not be extended, barring any legal impediments. actually, they are both correct.

There are always two sides of a coin.

The real issue here is banning the carrying and use of firearms for legitimate purposes while scalawags and bad elements, taking advantage of the situation, go on a hold – up spree, using their own guns. For The Eye, it is not really a question of banning the use of firearms but rather, regulating and controlling who uses them and why. after all, guns don’t kill people. People kill people.

Sarva Mangalam! For comments, please email to nelruiz888@gmail.com (30)

Quips

‘I don’t want to run but if it’s my destiny and my calling, I’ll abide by it. I am only for the welfare of the people of the fifth district who showed so much love for Iggy— that will never leave my heart.’

--Grace Ibuna, long time partner of the late congressman

EDGEDAVAO

H

avE YoU ever wond e r e d about those two big “stars” so near each other in the northwest sky in the early evening ?

I’ve been so curious about them the past many weeks until my son Sean reminded me that it’s the year 2012 when the nine planets will start aligning with each other that scientists say happen only every 340,000 years.

If you’ve seen that movie “2012”, this is the year the world is supposed to end. This has made my son so excited he actually looks forward to it just to see if the whole event will look like the movie where big earth quakes, volcanic eruptions and gigantic tsunamis destroyed all the big cities of the world like New York, Washington, Los angeles, Rome, etc. in a matter of days.

Digging up some so-called facts from the website www. Planetalignment.net, the sun, earth and the other planets will line up along the same line at the galactic equator. a lost planet called Niburu or Planet X is supposed to return to our own solar system, affecting the planets Neptune, Jupiter and Earth. only four planets, however, can be seen by the naked eye on a clear night sky: Mercury, venus, Jupiter and Mars. So far away are Uranus and Neptune which can be seen only with a big telescope.

Those two big “stars” we see every night are venus (the bigger one because it’s nearer) and the other, smaller one is Jupiter. This big planet is supposed to change into a “tiny sun”, so bright that

F

oRMER Secretary of Justice and concurrent Secretary of National Defense Secretary oscar Tombo Castelo, a relative of incumbent Sen. vicente “Tito” Castelo Sotto III, on June 8, 1953 before leaving for Korea “but before boarding the plane at the airfield, called his nephew augusto Melencio (who was also agent of the Defense Department) and (Bienvenido) “Ben Ulo” (Mendoza, a police character and an ex-convict) and told them, “Huwag lang hindi ninyo mapatay si (Manuel P.) Monroy bago ako dumating.” (Don’t fail to kill Monroy before my return) to which Ben Ulo replied, “Huwag kang mag-alala, halos patay na siya.” (Don’t you worry, he is as good as dead.)

‘BLaCKMaILER” aND “DoUBLECRoSSER” Do NoT DESERvE To DIE of course, the Philippine Supreme Court did not buy the denial of Castelo, a former Manila trial judge, that he could not have killed a “blackmailer” and “double-crosser” in Monroy because Monroy “had voluntarily promised to retract his testimony given before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee.

“Castelo had reasons to distrust such promise, supposing it was made; and so, partly in revenge and partly to silence him forever, Castelo chose violent death having as he had, hardy henchmen to bring it about. The Blue Ribbon investigation could only produce removal from office.

But disbarment will scuttle his means of support; and a rap for bribery could lead to prison. So “kailangan mapatay si Monroy,” as he said.”

The case was dismissed for lack of evidence, against adelaida Reyes, Dr. Hermin-

Monkey Business

VANTAGE POINTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 17• MARCH 27, 2012

2012 : Is it really the ‘end of the world’? very soon, there will be “two suns” in the sky. Whether this event will really happen, scientists aren’t talking yet, but I imagine myself getting fried soon as I get out of the house.

But one thing scientists of the National aeronautic and Space administration (NaSa) are talking about are the sun’s storms and solar flares are expected to reach their peak this year, 2012. Fact is, these sun storms are already taking place in the form of big exploding sun spots, if you scanned the papers last month and took this news story with a skeptic smile.

NaSa scientists predicted that “powerful solar typhoons” will happen in 2012, ending the 11-year sun spot cycle.

These solar typhoons are expected to ripple earth’s magnetic field causing the earth’s crust or tectonic plates to move against each other. Even a slight ripple effect from solar storms can cause big earth quakes, causing big tsunamis and destructive hurricanes in the Pacific and atlantic oceans.

Whether you believe it or not, the Mayan tribes of an ancient South american tribe have been predicting the last 5,000 years that the world will finally come to an end on December 21, 2012.

Even the man who could “see” the future, Nostradamus, also predicted the end of the world by 2012, describing the frequent earthquakes, the famine, the droughts, the severe changes in global climate and the shifting of the North and South Poles that cause huge icebergs to melt and swell the seas of the planet.

Both the Bible and Nostradamus are the same with their prophecies and predictions of “a great war in the Middle East” where revolts in every arab coun-

Solving the killings ChICAGO

By JOSEPH G. LARIOSA

(Conclusion) ia Castelo-Sotto (the mother of Sen. Tito Sotto), Felix Tamayo and Leonardo Caparas. Rogelio Robles, (for) turning state witness, was discharged on april 29, 1953, (the late) Senator Claro M. Recto (grandfather of incumbent Sen. Ralph G. Recto), aired on the floor of the Senate charges against Castelo for bribery and extortion, allegedly perpetrated when Castelo was still Manila judge. The following month and at the instance of Secretary Castelo, Senator Recto found himself a defendant in a bigamy case in the Court of First Instance of Bulacan.

Recto countered with a disbarment charge, and the feud between them gained wide publicity, involving as it did two prominent public officials. Recto’s charges were investigated by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, with Monroy as Recto’s star witness to the

try will throw the entire region into civil wars, threatening to draw the world’s powers like US, Britain, Russia and China into a confrontation in their fight over crude oil which drives the world’s economies.

But NaSa scientists were quick to calm down the anxieties and fears of people who came across all these dire predictions. “It’s not the end of the world yet. Nothing will happen in 2012. our planet has been doing just fine for more than four billion years now. Many credible scientists worldwide don’t know of any threat in 2012,” one NaSa scientist told Time magazine last year.

If you remember past historic events like Pearl Harbor, the US military ignored the many signs indicating a coming attack by Japanese forces on the US naval fleet in Hawaii in 1941. There were also clear signs before September 11, 2001 that terrorists were planning an attack in New York, but the CIa and the US military chose to ignore those warnings from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), insisting on “solid documented proof”.

Funny thing is, the Mayans, Nostradamus and God have already shown us their “solid documented proofs” that the world is coming to an end, but it looks ridiculous to pack up our bags to go to the mountains and wait for the end since the entire planet is suppose to vanish anyway… any suggestion to build a Noah’s ark ?

[Where would such a Noah’s ark float? In space?---The Editors] (Comment? Email : tradingpost_ davao@yahoo.com)

charging (sic) or irritation of both Castelo and Ben Ulo who had exerted efforts to prevent him from so testifying. Moreover, Monroy was likely to be again a witness in the disbarment proceedings — instituted

by Recto — before the Supreme Court, which rested on the same charge of bribery.

Castelo and seven others, including Ben Ulo and Melencio, were later sentenced to a life in prison due to “interlocking confessions” that could have laid down a precedent that the act of one is the act of all.

I am sure the mastermind in the killing of my friend, Demy Dingcong, Cagayan de oro City correspondent of Manila Bulletin, took a page out of Castelo by giving verbal orders to his bodyguards before leaving for the United States in the 80’s. There was no cell phone yet, then.

The bodyguards, who were soldiers, admitted receiving $400 each to carry out the murder conspiracy. They did not name their mastermind, a Mindanao provincial governor, who delivered the votes of the “birds and the bees” for President Marcos just as the ampatuans did for President Gloria Macapagal arroyo. (lariosa_jos@sbcglobal.net)

‘Castelo and seven others, including Ben Ulo and Melencio, were later sentenced to a life in prison due to “interlocking confessions” that could have laid down a precedent that the act of one is the act of all.’

9

The Corona trial: Vulcaseal defense

T

W o weeks into the turn of embattled Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona to present evidence and witnesses MindaNews to disprove allegations against him in his own impeachment trial, more questions are arising and popping up instead of refuting what the prosecution has so far presented.

His defense panel has been plugging holes instead of addressing squarely his failure to fully and truthfully declare his statement of assets, liabilities and net worth and explaining his peso deposits and dollar account.

True, a good defense is like weaving a plausible story why an accused should be acquitted.

Building it like Lego blocks to form a shape may be good strategy for his lawyers but not for himself.

The longer it takes for the defense panel to present solid evidence that will unequivocally prove his innocence, the more people will tend to believe that the chief justice is taking more than just time to cover up the trail of his ‘transgressions.’ and there is nobody that can better dispute all the allegations hurled against him than himself and perhaps his wife.

If anything, the chief justice will only have his self to blame if the impeachment court will order his removal from office for his failure to testify and explain his undeclared, underdeclared or misdeclared assets.

Perhaps it was also a misjudgment on his part when he promised to refute all the charges against him point by point only for his counsels to now declare they may not be going to put him into the witness stand.

More seriously, it was a wrong call on the part of Chief Justice Renato Corona to go on a media blitz and throw mud and stinging accusations against his colleagues in the Supreme Court.

It only exposed him as a man who is not willing to make his statements and allegations under oath. all however is not yet lost for him.

Chief Justice Corona has more than eight weeks to replace his leaking roof and faucets.

Sending repairmen with adhesives who do not know where the leaks are will do him no good.

Corona knows where his achilles heels are.

He knows how to defend it.

But will he be willing to face his accusers at the witness stand and defend his case before the awaiting nation?

Quips

‘THE issues mentioned during the technical review were relatively minor issues and are now being addressed by the agency.’

--Director General Ramon Gutierrez of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) on 23 flaws of the safety standards of the country’s airports.

10 COMMUNITY SENSE

VOL.5 ISSUE 17• MARCH 27, 2012

Filipino studes win top prizes in conference on cybercrime K

aSPERSKY Lab, a leading developer of secure content and threat management solutions, announced that students from the Philippines bested 12 other finalists from various countries in the recently concluded regional preliminary round of the Kaspersky Lab asia Pacific and Middle East, africa (MEa) Cup2012, an annual event that brings together students and young professionals from around the world in a collaborative environment to present and discuss issues relating to cybercrime.

The research papers presented by team leaders 21-year old Joshua arvin Lat and 19-year old Ranyel Bryan Maliwanag won the first and second prizes, respectively, at the conference held on March 14 to 16 at the City University of Hong Kong (CityU), a leading university in asia in professional education and research.

Both Filipino students are from the University of the Philippines Department of Computer Science (UP-DCS). They said they carried out their researches at the department’s Computer Security Group.

The top research paper written by Lat and his partners Kevin Charles atienza and Rod Xavier Bondoc entitled “SoUL Sytem: Secure online USB Login System,” recommended a secure online authentication system involving a twofactor authentication scheme using a password

and an ordinary USB flash drive as a security token. The group took home US$1,500 in cash prize for their winning paper.

Meanwhile, Maliwanag and his team, composed of Mariah Strella Indrinal and Marynyriene Silvestre, created an application that uses voice recognition. Their research entitled, “voxGrid: a Mobile voice verification System,” which proposed a mobile voice verification system to improve the security of the username-password authentication scheme, won for the group a US$1,000 cash prize.

Third place winner was the research paper entitled “Mining Modules’ Dependencies for Malware Detection” by Masoud Narouei from the Shiraz University of Iran which won for him a cash prize of US$750.

This is the first time the Philippines joined the annual conference, which has this year’s theme of “IT Security for the Next Generation.”

Their wins in the asia Pacific and MEa Cup 2012 have earned for Lat and Maliwanag their respective spots to represent the Philippines in the 2012 Kaspersky International Cup of the IT Security Conference for Young Professionals to be held at the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands on May 11-13, 2012. Kaspersky Lab is sponsoring the allexpense paid trip of the team leaders to the glob-

al round.

This time, they will be competing against the winners of the three other regional preliminary rounds held in america, Europe and Russia & Commonwealth of Independent States. Lat and Maliwanag as well as the other participants stand a chance to win the cash prize of 3,500 euros plus the opportunity of an internship at Kaspersky Lab or a visit to a professional Information Security conference together with the company›s experts.

In the Hong Kong round, the research papers were presented and defended by Lat and Maliwanag to a panel of judges composed of experts from Kaspersky Lab as well as notable academicians and information technology experts from the United Kingdom, australia and Hong Kong.

The undergraduate students from UP competed with tertiary and post-graduate students from the asia Pacific, Middle East and african regions.

Selection was based on scientific and methodological level of work, the social importance of the topic presented, completeness, objectivity with collected information, as well as practical and innovation value in different areas ranging from technical, social, economic to legal topics.

“The quality of papers presented was of a very high standard with much thought and creativity

having been put into the content,” said veniamin Ginodman, Head of Educational Programs Management at Kaspersky Lab. “Kaspersky Lab is committed to continue holding this student conference annually as a platform to engage in open discussion and knowledge-sharing to develop shared strategies and solutions to combat the relentless evolution of cyber threats. We hope that with more knowledge-building and sharing activities, the region will have an excellent youth brain trust when it comes to cyber securityrelated issues. Clearly, there is much potential here that has not been fully tapped yet,” he said. a total of 52 papers were submitted to this year’s conference, five of which were from the Philippines. In Southeast asia, only Malaysia and the Philippines made it to the asia Pacific & MEa Cup 2012.

“This conference has again brought together the best from the asia Pacific and MEa region with excellent support from internationally recognized academicians and analysts,” said Harry Cheung, Managing Director for Kaspersky Lab asia Pacific.

“The cyber world is youth-driven and the contribution of the young participants in furthering knowledge on cybercrime will significantly add to the body of work now available,” he said.

EDGEDAVAO

Davao, 4 other cities to get 20T e-trikes

by NEDA board

D

avao City will be one of the five priority areas to get part of the 20,000 electric tricycles for passengers to be distributed by the government in line with two energy projects approved by the National Economy and Development authority (NEDa) Board last Thursday.

The other areas are Metro Manila, Boracay, Puerto Princesa City and Cabanatuan City.

The NEDa Board approved two energy projects amounting to P24.1 billion. These projects aim to promote sustainable transport, achieve energy efficiency and thus address market transformation in the sector The Market Transformation through Introduction of Energy Efficient Electric Tricycle (E-Trike) Project will reduce fuel consumption of tricycles by 2.8 percent, equivalent to 560,926 oil barrels. ”The project will distribute 100,000 E-Trikes to tricycle operators on a lease-to-own arrangement, replacing their old gas-fed and two-stroke gasoline engine units. This way, we are also able to protect our environment,” Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and NEDa Board Chairperson Cayetano W. Paderanga, Jr. said.

During Phase I of the project, 20,000 E-Trikes will be distributed to operators in Metro Manila, Boracay, Puerto Princesa City, Cabanatuan City, and Davao City while 80,000 units will be provided to operators in yet to be determined municipalities/ cities during Phase II. The project also aims to promote the establishment and development of new associated electric vehicle support industries such as battery leasing/recycling/ disposal, motor supply chain and charging stations. This Department of Energy (DoE)-proposed project will be fin .3 billion loan and P43 million grant from the Clean Technology Fund (CTF), P860 million Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) facility and P3.397 billion government coun-

Quips

terpart funding. another project approved by the NEDa Board is the P2.59-billion agus vI Hydroelectric Power Plants (Units 1 and 2) Uprating Project.

Power uprating means increasing the capacity of power plants to ensure availability of sufficient and stable supply of electricity.

“This power uprating project aims to address the power supply gap in Mindanao to support large-scale industrial and power-intensive manufacturing industries in the region,” Paderanga said.

Through the project, the economic life of power plants will be extended for a minimum of 30 years and their rated capacity will be increased by 19 megawatts (mW), from 50 to 69 mW. This will likewise increase the dependable capacity of the power plants from 27 to 39 mW. Funding for this project will be sourced from the budget of the Power Sector assets and Liabilities Management (PSaLM).

The NEDa Board is the governing body that sets major development policy directions for the Philippines while the NEDa Secretariat serves as its research and technical support arm. President Benigno S. aquino III is chair of the Board while Paderanga serves as vice Chair.

The NEDa Board members are: the Secretaries of agriculture, Budget and Management, Energy, Environment and Natural Resources, Finance, Public Works and Highways, Science and Technology, Tourism, Trade and Industry, Transportation and Communications, and Presidential Management Staff; the Deputy Governor of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas; the Chairpersons of Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council, Metro Manila Development authority, and Mindanao Development authority; the Governor of the autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (aRMM); and the President of Union of Local authorities of the Philippines (ULaP).

--END--

‘TEMPORARILLY taking over the power barges will lower prices, allowing power distributors to buy cheaper power and supply it to customers.’

--Bayan Muna Rep. Teddy Casino

veniamin Ginodman, Kaspersky Lab head of educational programs management (left) poses with top prizewinners Joshua arvin Lat (center) and team member

Rod Xavier Bondoc during the awarding ceremonies in Hong Kong. Not in photo is third team member Kevin Charles atienza.

EDGEDAVAO

DSWD Secretary Corazon J. Soliman and Davao Oriental Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon turned over Friday the Certificates of Occupancy to Roy Villacorte, President of Bitaogan Neighborhood Association for Shelter Assistance.

Some 24 families in Barangay Bitaogan, San Isidro, Davao

SUBURBIA

VOL.5 ISSUE 17• MARCH 27, 2012

11

Presyo Diskwento caravan set in Panacbo, March 31 T

Oriental benefitted from this latest shelter assistance. Also in photo are [from left] Vice Governor Mayo Z. Almario, San Isidro Mayor Edgar Flor V. Saulon and DSWD Director Ester A. Versoza.

DSWD/Sheryll Jane B. Sanico

HE Department of Trade and Industry in Region 11 (DTI 11) in partnership with the New City Commercial Center (NCCC) will conduct a one-day Presyo Diskwento caravan on March 31, from 8:00aM until 5:00PM at the Gredu Gym, Barangay Gredu, Panabo City. as the name “Presyo Diskwento caravan” suggests, the activity will bring in one venue various manufacturers and distributors of basic necessities and prime commodities which will be sold at discounted prices.

The Panabo city leg is the first of the 12 targeted Presyo Diskwento caravans throughout the region for this year.

DTI 11 Regional Director Marizon S. Loreto said the caravan is aimed at providing non-wage benefits to the labor sector and low-priced goods to the labor sector and the consumers in the community, thus, a relief from the rising fuel prices.

“Since the labor sector and majority of the

consumers have common attributes of low buying capacity, DTI sees the need to provide them with basic necessities and prime commodities that are affordable but with high quality,” she said.

Loreto said the caravan will not only give DTI the chance to make these goods available to a bigger number of consumers but more importantly, this will give the consumers the chance to buy discounted products in one place. “and we are bringing these discounted products to their areas so that they don’t have to spend for transportation,” she said. among the items that will be sold at discounted rates are coffee, milk, and detergent soaps and bars, shampoo, instant noodles, and canned goods such as sardines. School supplies shall also be included in the items on sale.

The participating suppliers are Colgate Palmolive Philippines, Loreal Philippines, Papertech Incorporated,

Dairenz Snack Marketing, Procter & Gamble Philippines, Unilever Philippines, LTS Department Stores, Inc., LTS Hardwaremaxx, Inc., Monde Nissin Corporation, Cosmetique asia, Pepsi Cola Products Philippines, Inc., CDo Foodsphere, virginia Foods, Inc., Century Pacific Group, Davao Farms, Pengco Enterprises, Johnson & Johnson, JS Unitrade, alaska Milk Corp., and Nestle Philippines. aside from the discounted products, buyers will also enjoy free wellness services in the form of massage therapy and hairstyling/haircut which will be provided by four massage therapists and four hairstylists who are all accredited by the Technical Education and Skills Development authority (TESDa).

For further information, Loreto said anyone may contact the Consumer Welfare and Trade Regulation Division (CWTRD) of DTI Regional office 11 at telephone number 2240511 local 411 or 420.

School in Carmen received on March 20, some 260 pieces of armchairs and 100 pieces of kiddie chairs.

The same number was also given to Lorenzo Sarmiento, Sr. National High School in Mawab, Compostela valley last March 21.

New Corella Central Elementary School was given on March 22, some 216 armchairs, 42 desks and 100 kiddie chairs.

Tagum LGU records showed that a total of 32,040 pieces of school

furniture (armchairs, desks, kiddie chairs, teacher tables, computer and working table) were distributed in span of seven months from august 2011 to March 23.

Through the initiative of the mayor, Tagum local government fabricates school chairs from confiscated logs and distributes the school furniture for free to different schools as part of its social responsibility to its neighboring cities and municipalities in Davao Region. (RiA/Cio-tAGUM City)

plying the Barangay New visayas to Poblacion are thankful to the City Government of Panabo for repairing the holes and craters that are commonly found along the road from the Quilisadio main road until the crossing TaDECo making travel the delivery of goods and products easier and more comfortable to the commuters and motorist.

The concreting proj-

ects are intended to make travel to and from these barangays easier and more convenient, especially to commuters who are traveling everyday to their work. The crossoverwood type footbridge and road concreting are part of the continuing physical renovation of the City Government as part of their infrastructure program of Mayor Jose L. Silvosa, Sr.

[dti11/JeNMeNdozA]

Tagum distributes armchairs to Davao Norte, Comval schools

S

CHooLS in Davao del Norte and Compostela valley received school furnitures from the local government of Tagum.

Tagum city mayor Rey T. Uy led the distribution of 1,078 pieces of furnitures comprising of armchairs, desks and kiddie chairs to schools in Carmen and New Corella of Davao del Norte, and Mawab of Compostela valley.

The Mangalcal Elementary School and Mangalcal National High

Footbridge inaugurated in Panabo

P

aNaBo City Mayor Jose L. Silvosa, Sr. inaugurated on Friday two infrastructure projects amounting to more than P 3-million.

The projects included the P1.3-million Rehabilitation of Barangay Nanyo Footbridge and P2-million road concreting at Barangay New visayas benefiting residents of the areas.

The Barangay Nanyo foot bridge is expected to facilitate the transportation of local products and provide safe passage for schoolchildren especially when the water level in the river rises. It was funded by the City Government of Panabo through the endorsement of Barangay Captain Urceso albeda.

Meanwhile motorists

Quips

‘I got hooked on Angry Birds before, until I realized I’d rather read because I host and I want to make sense.’

--Celebrity host Toni Gonzaga

12 NATION/WORLD

VOL.5 ISSUE 17• MARCH 27, 2012

NATION BRIEFS Obama to China: Contingency

T

HE Philippine Embassy has a contingency plan in case tensions in the Korean peninsula escalate into a full blown conflict. “Nakahanda po ang ating embahada para sa worst case scenario,” vice President Jejomar Binay told leaders of the Filipino community in a dialogue at the Philippine Embassy in Seoul.

There are some 5,000 overseas Filipino workers in South Korea. Binay is in the South Korean capital to represent President Benigno aquino at the 2012 Nuclear Security Summit.

a

Protection

migrant workers’ rights group has urged President Benigno S. aquino III to discuss the protection of overseas Filipino workers with visiting Kuwait emir Shiekh Sabah al ahmad al Jaber al Sabah.

“We hope that Pres. aquino III will grab this opportunity to discuss with his counterpart, the visiting Emir of Kuwait, to table and give priority discussing how to provide protection to our Filipino workers in Kuwait amid the rampant cases of abuse and labor malpractices especially among Filipino domestic workers,”said John Leonard Monterona, Migrante Middle East coordinator.

a

Graduates

CCoRDING to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), over 500,000 college students nationwide are anticipated to graduate this month, prepared to embark in the work arena and go about achieving their ultimate goal in life beyond the parameters of the school campus. atty. Julito vitriolo, CHEd executive director, said that landing a job is tougher today amidst the proliferation of contractual employment in the country.

T

Cooperation

HE Philippines and Indonesia will shortly sign the Terms of Reference (ToR) to further strengthen their cooperation in border security and intelligence to intensify the global war on terror, among other objectives. aFP chief of staff Lt. Gen. Jessie D. Dellosa met with his Indonesian counterpart admiral agus Suhartono to discuss the ToR at the just-concluded 2nd Jakarta International Defense Dialogue (JIDD) 2012 at the Balai Sidang in Jakarta.

EDGEDAVAO

WORLD TODAY

Help rein in North Korea U U

.S. President Barack obama urged China on Sunday to use its influence to rein in North Korea instead of “turning a blind eye” to its nuclear defiance, and warned of tighter sanctions if the reclusive state goes ahead with a rocket launch next month.

“North Korea will achieve nothing by threats or provocations,” a stern-faced obama said after a tour of the heavily fortified border between the two Koreas resonant with echoes of the Cold War. Such a launch would only lead to further isolation of the impoverished North, which much show its sincerity if on-againoff-again six-party aidfor-disarmament talks are to restart, obama told a news conference in the South Korean capital.

Seoul and Washington say the launch will be a disguised test of a ballistic missile that violates Pyongyang’s latest international commitments.

North Korea says it merely wants to put a satellite into orbit.

Even as obama warned North Korea of the consequences of its actions, he spoke bluntly to China, the closest thing Pyongyang has to an ally, of its international obligations.

U.S. President Barack Obama (L) and South Korea’s President Lee Myung-bak leave a joint news conference at the Blue House in Seoul March 25, 2012.

obama said Beijing’s actions of “rewarding bad behavior (and) turning a blind eye to deliberate provocations” were obviously not working, and he promised to raise the matter at a meeting with Chinese President Hu Jintao in Seoul on Monday.

“I believe that China is very sincere that it does not want to see North Korea with a nuclear weapon,” he told a news conference in Seoul before a global summit on nuclear security. “But it is going to have to act on that interest in a sustained way.”

It was obama’s sharp-

est message yet to China to use its clout with North Korea in a nuclear standoff with the West, and dovetails with recent calls for Beijing to meet its responsibilities as a rising world power.

In an election year when Republicans have accused obama of not being strong enough with Beijing, talking tough on China is seen as a potential vote-winner after three years of troubled diplomacy in dealings with Iran, afghanistan and Pakistan.

China is host to the six-party talks, which in-

volve Japan and Russia as well as the two Koreas and the United States.

DMZ TOUR obama earlier visited a U.S. base on the edge of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) as a solemn North Korea came to a halt to mark the 100th day after “Dear Leader” Kim Jongil’s death.

“You guys are at freedom’s frontier,” obama, wearing an air Force one bomber jacket, told about 50 troops crammed into the Camp Bonifas mess hall at one of the world’s most heavily fortified frontiers.

South Korea to hire more migrant workers in hotels

The South Korean government is looking at relaxing immigration policies to allow more migrant workers, especially in the hotel and restaurant industry.

Speaking before over 1,000 Filipinos at St. Benedict’s Church in Seoul, vice President Jejomar Binay said he was informed by Korean businessmen of the plan, which is part of the country’s preparations for the hosting of the asian Games in 2013.

“Marami pong mabibigyan ng pagkakataon na makapaghanapbuhay dito, lalo na sa nagtapos ng hotel and restaurant management,” Binay said.

Binay, the concurrent Presidential adviser on overseas Filipino Workers (oFWs) Concerns, also assured the Filipino community that the Philippines is in continuous discussions with the South Korean government to help find solutions to problems encountered by Filipino immigrants and oFWs. “Hindi kayo nag-iisa sa pagharap sa inyong mga suliranin. Kasama ninyo ang inyong pamahalaan

SINAGTALA. Jubilant members of the Philippine National Police Academy “Sinagtala” Class of 2012 celebrate during the 33rd Commencement Exercises of the PNPA at Camp General Mariano Castañeda in Silang, Cavite Saturday. The PNPA was created to provide education and training to the three uniformed bureaus of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, namely: the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology. [PNA]

dito. Patuloy ang pakikipag-usap ng ating pamahalaan, sa pamamagitan ng ating embahada dito, sa mga kinaukulan sa Korea,” he said.

He noted that a law

was recently passed in South Korea to ensure the speedy processing of documents of returning workers.

The vice President added that a Memoran-

dum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed between the Commission on Filipinos overseas or CFo and the Korean Ministry of Gender Equality and Family.

Nuclear

NFaZED by Indian concerns about its atomic program, Pakistan would apprise the nuclear summit being held in Seoul of its “safety and security” procedures and expertise in secure management of its nuclear infrastructure to bolster its claim for access to civilian nuclear technology and membership of export control regimes.

Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani is likely to make an offer to train nuclear personnel from other countries, particularly of the Middle East and Central asia, in his address to the summit being attended by 53 countries and four international organizations.

P

Donations

RESSURE was mounting Monday on British Prime Minister David Cameron following the resignation of a Conservative treasurer who apparently offered access to the premier in return for party donations.

Peter Cruddas was secretly filmed by the Sunday Times offering reporters posing as wealthy donors private dinners with Cameron for £250,000 ($396,000, 299,000 euros).

S

Defeated

ENEGaL’S long-serving leader abdoulaye Wade admitted defeat in the presidential election, congratulating his rival Macky Sall, a move seen as bolstering the West african state’s democratic credentials in a region fraught with political chaos.

Thousands of residents of the capital Dakar poured onto the streets overnight, honking car horns, beating drums and singing in celebration after state television reported that Wade had telephoned Sall to concede the country’s most contentious election in recent history.

J

Reactor

aPaN has been left with only one working nuclear reactor after Tokyo Electric Power Co. shuttered its final generator for scheduled safety checks.

The vast utility’s entire stock of 17 reactors are now idle, including three units that suffered a meltdown when the tsunami hit Fukushima, as Japan warily eyes a spike in electricity demand over the hot and humid summer.

EDGEDAVAO

Residents...

Sara...

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sociation of Dacoville, Inc. (URHaDI), said the homeowners want the City Council to vote “No” to the memorial park project, expressing concern over its danger to the very source of drinking water of Davao City.

“Dumoy area is an aquifer and by law – it is a protected area. It is our stance to oppose the project because the area is a vital part of the environmentally protected area,” Jimenez said. Dumoy area reportedly has the largest potable water deposits in the world and second in quality that of The Netherland’s.

Dumoy, which has 36 production wells of the DCWD, supplies about 75% of the water needs of Davao City.

The project has already passed first and second reading and is up for discussion at the plenary session of the City Council today. The project has the support of the Baliok’s Barangay Council and the Barangay Development Council (BDC), which unanimously endorsed on July 8, 2011 the development of property owned

by Francis Ledesma and Blandina Montemayor into a memorial park and for lot conversion in accordance

SUBURBIA

VOL.5 ISSUE 17• MARCH 27, 2012

with the requirements of the law.

In a certification signed by acting General Manager Edwin Regalado on august 9, 2011, the DCWD said the land is located on ground where the water table is not higher than 4.50 meters below the ground surface and as such complied with the allowable unit set by the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB) for cemeteries or memorial parks.

The project is situated approximately 230, 280, 200 and 690 meters from DCWD’s existing Dumoy production wells No. 32 and 27, Dacoville production well No. 1 and the Lubogan production well No. 1. DCWD, however, said proper solid and liquid waste disposal facilities should be constructed to prevent infiltration of the aquifer region and all liquid waste conveyances are all water tight.

Ledesma, in a letter to Councilor Bernard al-ag, chair of the sub-committee on Housing and Subdivision Development, dated March 6, 2012 claimed that an assessment report of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau on the soil test at the project site stated that the area is suitable for a memorial park.

13

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on possible contamination of the soil and the aquifer region, Ledesma’s letter states that South Grove is “positioned to be an entity with environmentally sound practices”, stressing that quality of burial vaults will not be compromised by using two bags of Sahara waterproofing cement for every bag of Sahara cement to ensure proper waterproofing and durability, while the cover of the concrete vault will be secured with a high-grade sealant.

The homeowners asked the city council to hear their side as there was no consultation conducted with the residents. according to Jimenez, they came to know about the project only recently as they were not properly consulted by the developer.

The Dumoy Barangay Council came up with a resolution on March 11, 2012 strongly opposing the project with concerns on the possibilities of contamination of the water system. The barangay also cited several government laws and regulations, particularly the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board relative to establishment of cemeteries or memorial parks.

nounced that he would be conducting such a survey wherein ‘the people will decide on who they want to run as mayor.’ “a survey must be done for the Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod to decide whom to field for the top post and the rest,”Duterte said on his television program Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa.

The elder Duterte said that if the survey shows that people will support his son Paolo Duterte, then “it’s their choice.” “(or) if they want Inday (incumbent mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio), it’s up to them,” the vice mayor said.

“In the end, it will be the people who will decide. It will be they who will vote for their leaders,” the elder Duterte added.

Meanwhile, Councilor Paolo Duterte, who is president of the association of Barangay Captains, prefers not to comment on the vice mayor’s statement.

Hugpong line-up vice Mayor Duterte also stressed that Hugpong will follow the city mayor’s decision on who among their candidates should run for public office in the 2013 elections, adding that Hugpong’s president will always be the city mayor, although the political aggrupation is acually made up of local leaders associated with the elder Duterte.

Earlier, the city mayor said she ‘would want to avoid conflict among members of Hugpong simply because of politics.’ “as much as possible, dapat walo lang ang supportahan per district,” Duterte-Carpio said, referring to the number

40...

of councilor-candidates Hugpong should support.

Duterte-Carpio said she herself had not yet made up her mind whether to run again for mayor, citing (1) her lack of financial resources; (2) the probability of her winning as city mayor again; and (3) personal matters.

She did not elaborate, noting only that her candidacy in the 2010 elections was financed by her father.

“I don’t have the finances and machinery.”

In response, vice Mayor Duterte said that he would finance his daughter’s campaign if she seeks reelection.

“I may have differences with my daughter sa governance, but it’s nothing personal. If she wants to be mayor again for another term I will spend for her. She’s my daughter,” Duterte told Edge Davao.

But when asked whether he wants his daughter to continue as mayor, the elder Duterte said the decision “remains with her.”

Trust Rating Based on a recently released trust rating survey, City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio and her father, vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte are the most trusted city officials, with a net trust rating of 98.8 percent each.

Daughter and father also tied in popularity at 99.4 percent.

This is according to the popularity and trust rating surey was conducted by the Institute of Popular opinion (IPo) established by the University of Mindanao under its Reasearch and Publication Center.

Meanwhile, District 1 Representative Karlo alexei Nograles, son of

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Davao Children’s Cancer Foundation, announced a series of activities in april to celebrate Cancer in Children awareness Month.

Helping educate the public on child cancer, the activities will include a motorcade; public fora in various shopping malls; information-education campaign; and photo exhibits among others.

The only oncologist in Mindanao and a stark child cancer advocate, Dolendo said SPMC has 150 survivors of child cancer or 30% survival rate in

the last five years.

The Retinoblastoma Multidisciplinary Team at SPMC is composed of Dr. Dolendo (pediatric oncologist), Dr. Perfecto Domingo Jr. (ophthalmologist/retina specialist), Dr. Jocelyn Sy (ophthalmologist/retina specialist), Dr. Nicolo Paderna (pediatric ophthalmologist), Dr. Maricel Luzano (pediatric ophthalmologist), Dr. Rojim Sorrosa (palliative care), Shiena Procullo (child life) and the ophthalmology/pediatrics – CCBDU nursing and support team.

former House Speaker Prospero Nograles, is as popular as the Dutertes with a popularity rating of 99.4 percent.

However, Karlo’s trust rating, 91.3 percent, was lower than the Dutertes’.

The activity, the first salvo of the newly-established IPo, was titled Popularity, Trust Ratings of officials and People’s awareness on Government Projects.

Dr. Maria Linda arquiza, IPo director, said the survey was conducted last February 4-13, among respondents aged 18 years and above.

The survey has also been conducted in the second and third districts, but the results will be announced after a week.

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

Application for a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a PUJ DUAL Ordinary Regular Service under LTFRB Memo Circular 2011-005.

CRISANTO M. ALIMASAG, Petitioner Case No.2012XI-00085 (2001-XI-01988) x- - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -x NOTICE HEARING Applicant requests authority for a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a PUJ Dual Ordinary Regular service under LTFRB Memo Circular 2011-005 for the transportation of passengers and freight on the route: PANABO CITY-DAVAO CITY VIA SASA, R. CASTILLO ROUTE and for cargoes as dual service from said route to any point in Region XI with the use of ONE (1) unit.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on APRIL 2, 2012 at 10:00 a. m. at this office at the above address.

At least, FIVE (5) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a one (1) daily newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence.

WITNESS the Honorable BENJAMIN A. GO, CESO V, Regional Director, this 30th day of January 2012 at Davao City.

TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ Chief Transport Development Officer /hoc Copy furnished: Petitioner, Crisanto M. Alimasag, Km 55, Mahayahay Village, Matina, Davao City Counsel, Atty. Napoleon F. Sango, Rm. 204, Caritas Bldg., CM. Recto St., Davao City NOTE: Affidavit of Publication and newspaper where notice was published must be submitted three (3) days before the scheduled hearing.

14 SPORTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 17• MARCH 27, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

ONE AGAINST THREE. Francis Escandor of Team Pilipinas Under-13 squad attracts three defenders from Assumption College of Davao in their recent exhibition match won by the Nationals at the Genesis 88 Gym. Escandor, son of hotelier Glen, is one of two Davao boys in the Nationals line-up. The other is Noel Bonleon, son of former PBA draftee Nonoy. (Boy Lim)

Phoenix Season 3

Title run leaves good memories for Cycle Fork T

EaM Cycle Fork can now only look back to the recent Trip Ko Phoenix Fuels Under-16 Basketball League Season 3 as part of their memories.

Tournament MvP alfred Joshua Capeding, a standout of reigning naSLAMMA JAMMA. Charles Mamie of Royal Mandaya Hotel leaps over three Phoenix personnel, then reprised his act over rival Devon Sullivan of Montana Pawnshop. However, Sullivan got the nod of the judges in the Araw ng Dabaw Invitational Basetball tional NSBC juniors chamTournament dunkfest with a rim-rattling 360-degree tomahawk jam and a Wilkins Windmill.(Boy Lim) pion assumption College of Davao, admits he will miss the time he has spent with his teammates.

“Iba ang feeling. Di kagaya ng varsity, itong (First of 2 Parts) mga teammates ko dito ko lang sila nakasama at posi12 UNDER GIRLS 20 UNDER GIRLS bleng hindi na kami magFinal Ranking after 5 Rounds Final Ranking after 5 Rounds kakampi uli. (It’s a different FED Rtg Pts. feeling. Unlike the varsity, I Rk. Name FED Rtg Pts. Rk. Name

1 ACEDO Rowelyn Joy PHI 1872 4.5 1 OCLIASA Frince Ezra PHI 0 4.5 only had the chance to play

with my teammates here 2 APAO Exiquila PHI 1700 4.0 2 BAUTISTA Jessa Marie PHI 0 4.0 and possibly we will never

3 YNGAYO Irish PHI 1710 3.5 3 SEVILLA Mary Rose PHI 1725 3.5

be playing on the same

4 BULICATIN Queenie PHI 0 3.5 team again),” the shifty Ca4 LIWANAN Erna PHI 0 3.0

5 GUEVARRA Caissa Jane PHI 1700 3.0 peding said.

5 VIDAD Cyrille PHI 0 3.0 after the final buzzer

10 UNDER GIRLS that gave the Cycle Fork Final Ranking after 5 Rounds the championship over ac16 UNDER GIRLS Rk. Name FED Rtg Pts. celerate Supreme, there Final Ranking after 5 Rounds

1 YNGAYO Lorraine PHI 1600 5.0 was a mix of happiness and nostalgia within the greenRk. Name FED Rtg Pts. 2 UTAY Charmae Joy PHI 0 4.0

shirted squad coached by 1 YNGAYO Dhona PHI 1789 4.5 3 AYUBAN Charys Jade PHI 0 3.0 Noy Pido.

2 LEQUIN Mary Jonah PHI 0 3.5 4 GUEVARRA Florence Faith PHI 1700 3.0 “Masaya pero mamim

iss ko sila (I’m happy but 5 REYES Sheila Mae PHI 0 3.0 3 PALERO Geneses PHI 0 3.0

at the same time I will miss 4 DAVAO Angel PHI 1700 3.0 8 UNDER GIRLS my teammates),” said at

5 INFIESTO Marianne PHI 1832 2.5 Final Ranking after 5 Rounds eneo’s John KhenbentYu

Rk. Name FED R tg P ts.

who was chosen to the 1 JORGIO Alliah May PHI 0 4.5 mythical five selection.

The Trip Ko Phoenix 2 BAUTISTA Janna Jane PHI 0 4.0 14 UNDER GIRLS

Fuels Under-16 tournaFinal Ranking after 5 Rounds 3 ZAMBRANO Gladys PHI 0 3.5

ment presents a unique PHI 0 3.0 Rk. Name FED Rtg Pts. 4 OLAY Joannah Love

format that selects the

PHI 0 3.0 best high school cagers in 1 GIMONY Joerlz PHI 1732 4.5 5 BULICATIN Gene Claire

PHI 0 2.0 Davao City and neighbor2 YNGAYO Yna Krisha PHI 1700 4.0 6 MOULIC Charlene

PHI 0 2.0 ing cities like Island Gar3 BUENAFE Honey Grace PHI 0 3.0 7 JULOM Jenaica

4 BONDAON Klea PHI 0 2.5 8 Anabieza Ma. Lyrah Eureka PHI 0 2.0 den City of Samal, Digos

PHI 0 1.0 City and Tagum City. They 5 MIRANTES Giddel PHI 0 2.0 9 FORTUNA Marielle are picked after a series of

10 BELOY Keisha Reah PHI 0 0.0

Mayor inday sara duterte Age group chess tournament

By Neil Bravo tryouts by Phoenix coaches.

“This is an experimental system marketing wise.

If we wanted to go for an assured fan base, we could have gone inter-school.

However, there are already several inter-school tournaments in Davao. Istead, we went for a tournament that will feature the elite players from high school,” said Phoenix Petroleum marketing supervisor Neb Bulaclac.

The experiment paid off as the Phoenix Petroleum’s initiated league has just finished its third tournament.

“We are still looking to improve the tournament to make it more exciting and to draw more people to our games,” Bulaclac said.

The finals showdown played as the appetizer for the araw ng Dabaw Invitational Basketball Tournament won by Montana Pawnshop over Phoenix’s very own squad—Phoenix vega.

The other members of Team Cycle Fork are Harry Dumagan (Sta. ana National HS), Jacob Philip Banal (LDD), Thonly Estrada (our Lady of Fatima academy), Michael Jay Gonzaga (Davao City High School), Geevy Guianan (Emar Learning Center), Ronald Jabican (Holy Cross of Babak), Jose Miguel Presbitero (Stella Maris academy), Patrick Lloyd Seranillos (Holy Cross of Davao College), Raffy Tabudlong (Southern Philippines Polytechnic College), alvin

Kyle Bejel (DCNHS), John Patrick Ianez (Jose Maria College), Renz Diuyan (ateneo). veteran drillmaster Bert Malinao assisted Pido at the bench.

Despite their losing stand, accelerate Supreme stood proud of their finals stint. There was no Purple Reign in Season 3 but the purple-shirted kids will likewise relish this stint.

“Masaya kami na napiling maglaro dito sa liga.

Hindi po madaling makapasok dahil marami din ang magagaling na players (We are happy to have been chosen to play in this league. It’s not easy to enter here because there are so many good players who went into the tryouts),” said accelerate quarterback Gio Delvo of the University of Immaculate Conception.

Team accelerate Supreme is composed of Nino anting (assumption), Levi Canonigo (UIC), Ian Claros (Ford academy of the arts), Brylle Cubero (Tagum National HS)), Miguel Gancio (ateneo), Jasper Mesiona (Immanuel School of Davao), Kevin Montenegro (UIC), Jan Patrick Quidato (assumption), Rey John Requina (Holy Cross of Babak), Jedidiah Sayson (Southpoint), allin Bulanadi (HCDC), Quincy Dale Burden (JMC), Jasper Kent Laluces (Tagum National HS), and Rey Roger Pasaylo (ateneo).

Coaching the Supremes is Bambi Santander, assisted by Bembem Resurrecion.

INdulge!

VOL.5 ISSUE 17 • MARCH 27, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

TRAVEL

Of linens and duvets

By Carlo P. Mallo Photos by Rudolph Alama of Maniniyot Community

THERE is nothing as important as the bed in a hotel room. Not even the best amenities, free wi-fi, or the most scrumptious restaurants can make up for a bad bed in a hotel. But a great bed can make up for the lack of amenities or its absence in a hotel.

Tucked in quiet corner of Torres St. is Hotel Esse, a 14-room hotel that offers one of the best, if not the best, sleeping experience in the city. Yes, a 14-room hotel offers one of the best sleeping experiences in the city.

There is nothing fancy about Hotel Esse – it doesn’t even have an elevator to begin with. And the list of what the hotel is lacking is quite long, but it has the best beds, wrapped in the finest linens.

Tucked in quiet corner of Torres St. is Hotel Esse, a 14-room hotel that offers one of the best, if not the best, sleeping experience in the city.

If the criteria for giving stars to a hotel were solely based on the quality of the bed and its linens, Hotel Esse will be a four-star hotel.

But what is the secret behind this surprise? The owners of the hotel scoured

Metro Manila and the other parts of the world for the best linens that they can acquire to use in their hotel, only to find their 350 to 400 thread count linens in the land of milk and honey.

What a coincidence!

Weren’t it milk and a dollop of honey that lulled you to la-la land during your childhood? It only seems right to find the best linens there, too.

Based on experience, I haven’t encountered a hotel room that has lulled me to sleep the same way Hotel Esse did. I was still working on my laptop in bed when I suddenly realized I had already dozed off. Yes, their linens are so soft and smooth that you can’t help but stretch out and catch some zzzz.

My body clock has well adjusted to waking up at 6:00 in the morning, but for the first time in three months, I was in la-la land until past 9:00 in the morning.

Not that the hotel is sparse, but it is a no-nonsense hotel. Who uses hotel soaps anyways, unless it’s L’occitane like what Shangrila has in their bathrooms?

But the hotel does have complementary bar soaps

and toothbrushes.

Hotel Esse occupies the two upper floors of a threestory building. The ground floor house restaurants that is open from breakfast to late dinner, providing guests dining options. But if it’s not

what you like, restaurants are just down the road.

So, what else is there that you need? Throw in a 350 to 400 thread count linen, a plush duvet, and a comfortable bed, and you’re all set for a good night’s sleep.

EDGEDAVAO

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VOL.5 ISSUE 17 • MARCH 27, 2012

Winter is coming ENTERTAINMENT

WHEN you play the Game of Thrones, you win or you die.

What can we expect from this season’s Game of Thrones?

GAME of Thrones season two is coming…eventually. Lucky for you, we’ve got some scoop to keep you warm during the long and bitter winter.

We caught up with executive producers David Benioff and D.B. Weiss and author George R.R. Martin on the red carpet at the HBO Emmys party and begged for any season-two scoop we could get our greedy little mitts on. Not for us, but for America.

OK, we lied. It was totally for us.

So what did they say fans can expect from the HBO hit series when it returns next spring? Plus, we got new Emmy-winner Peter Dinklage fresh off his big win, and his reaction to his name being called is priceless...

Filming on season two is “going well,” Benioff told us. “It’s tough.

We’re shooting in three different countries. We have a lot more dragons, a lot more people getting killed.

[It’s] a lot sexier, so it’s going well so far.”

He does admit that there are “so many things” that make him nervous: “The direwolves are tough and all the stuff we’re shooting north of the Wall is going to be tough with five hours of daylight because we’re near the Arctic Circle. Shooting a full day of Game of Thrones in five hours will be challenging. “ Martin, who wrote episode nine (“Blackwater”), says, “We’re looking under all our couches for spare nickels in order to actually afford the big battle that I wrote!” (Be right back—

we’re currently checking under our seat for any spare change.)

He also told us that Neil Marshall, the director of films such The Descent and Centurion, will be directing his episode. “We’re very lucky,” he says.

Weiss, Benioff and Martin all agreed that Peter Dinklage winning

the new scripts.”

Though he wouldn’t tell us much about the upcoming season, he teases, “more surprised that are faithful to the books and a few new characters are introduced that are incredible. We lose some and we gain some.”

Speaking of gaining some new characters, we asked Weiss how the show’s many newbies (including Stephen Dillane as Stannis Bara-

Though he wouldn’t tell us much about the upcoming season, he teases, “more surprised that are faithful to the books and a few new characters are introduced that are incredible. We lose some and we gain some.”

Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series was the highlight of the night, with Weiss telling us, “I was just so happy to see Peter get up there.”

So what was Dinklage’s reaction when his name was called? “I can’t swear on your E!, can I?” he politely asked, before we gave him the goahead. (Come on, it’s Tyrion Lannister! Show some respect.) “F--k!”

Well said, Mr. Dinklage. Well said.

“It was fun. I was nominated with great actors and that’s a privilege right there,” he added. “A couple of them I know really well and that’s always fun. We’ve been having a sense of humor about it all. That’s always important. I am a lucky actor. It’s a joy to go to work every day and get

theon, Carice van Houten as Lady Melisandre and Liam Cunningham as Davos Seaworth) are doing. “I’d say luckily, without exception, every single new castmember that we’ve got is doing such an amazing job so far and exceeding our expectations that it’s really been such a joy.”

Before you think it’s a total lovefest over at GoT, he quickly follows that last bit with this: “We unfortunately killed off a lot of people we love very much and now we’ve got some new loved ones coming back in to be eventually killed off.”

Martin adds, “It’s going to be great to see these new characters.” Right.

Before they die. You kill us, GoT. But don’t go changing.

Queen Cersei Lannister’s (Lena Headey) warning is also the perfect title for HBO’s glorious new promo film, celebrating the longawaited April 1 premiere of Game of Thrones’ second season.

And if you’re one of the unfortunate souls who missed the fantasy series’ epic first season, this video includes an in-depth recap with essential background on the characters and the fantasy kingdoms in which they live…and die.

(Spoiler Alert: If you haven’t seen the full first season and want to be surprised, stop watching the video at the 13-minute mark!)

Now read on for a nonspoilery sophomore-season primer from creators and executive producers David Benioff and D.B. Weiss with fresh photos of new and returning characters…

“This season is largely about how [a major character’s] death leads to a series of events that ultimately culminate in a war, pulling all the different factions in this world into open-armed conflict with each other,” says Weiss. “Almost every character is directly affected by the war in some way or another.

Even Jon Snow (Kit Harington) and Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke), who are on far different corners of the world, feel the effects” after some characters lose

their heads. (You could say the whole kingdom goes mad!)

“I think fans of the show can expect to be surprised by some of what happens,” says Weiss, adding that “we’re taking approaches that might surprise [fans of the books] as well. A lot of the characters that George created are so rich and so wonderful that you often find yourself wondering what would happen if this one met that one…

So there will definitely be some nice surprises [and] excitement for both longtime readers and newcomers to the material.”

Benioff points out,“We’re not looking at our series as a book-by-book adaptation so much as an adaptation of George’s entire saga. In other words, in our minds season two is not A Clash of Kings [the series’ second book]. It is the second season of our adaptation of [the entire saga], A Song of Ice and Fire.”

With psychopathic kings, black magic, dragons and direwolves afoot, it’s no wonder that Princess Arya learns much too young the meaning of the Valyrian phrase Valar morghulis: All men must die.

Are you fired up like a dragon for Game of Thrones’ return? Which new character are you most excited to meet? Are you OK with the show’s deviation from the original books?

VOL.5 ISSUE 17 • MARCH 27, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

11 things TRAVEL

S

UMMER is already here as kids no longer have school and the long weekend, also known as Holy Week, is fast approaching. So, with everyone preparing to fly out to some cold country or head to the beach, INdulge listed down 11 tips that will help make your travel this year a breeze.

Have fun this summer and make the most out of it with these 11 tips for a smoother, relaxed travel: 1. Gifts While it is a good idea to take some small gifts with you while traveling, pre-wrapping them can be a waste of time if you are flying and your bags are opened.

2. Flashlights or Torches When packing a flashlight or torch (or any other item with batteries for that matter), turn the batteries around so that if the item is accidentally turned on, you won’t empty the batteries. Don’t forget to turn the batteries back around when using the flashlight.

3. Diaper Bag If you are traveling with babies, then the diaper bag is an excellent place to hide your valuables. This most likely will not be the first thing to be stolen. It’s also a great to use as a waste bag (even when not traveling with a child!), especially at places that do not allow you to flush toilet paper.

4. Shoes If you want to make sure everything else in your bags stays clean and odor free, place the shoes inside old socks and then inside airtight plastic bags (ziplock).

5. Carry-On Keep any medication and important papers in your carry-on bag. On long flights with multiple stopovers (especially if flying via London, LA or other major airports), packing a fresh change of clothes is a good idea as bags tend to get delayed or lost on long haul, multiple stop flights. You don’t want to end up stuck without medication, clothes or your important papers even if it is just for a few days.

6. Roll Technique Somehow it seems that bags will hold more if the clothes are rolled rather than folded. If you roll in tissue paper, the clothes will also get less wrinkled.

7. Traveling to warm destinations?

If you appreciate cold drinks think of using a sixpack cooler as a toiletry bag. Once you arrive at your destination and unload your toiletries your ‘toiletry bag’ guarantees cheap cold drinks on the beach, no matter how remote.

8. Local Tourism Offices The best source of information is usually local.

Check out Tourism Offices to find unbiased feedback on the best accommodation to suit your needs. Exercise caution in countries where you feel the information might not be so unbiased!

9. Minimize on toiletries Take only half a tube of toothpaste rolled up tight, store shampoo in small containers, only take half a roll of toilet paper (for emergencies only) and crush it so the middle is folded.

10. Take solid shampoo bars and tooth powder Solid shampoo bars and tooth powder (instead of tooth paste) can be easily located on the Internet and make carry-on travel in this age of liquid restriction possible. Places like Beijing now bar all liquids in carry-on bags, and you’ll still be able to breeze through without checking.

11. Planning on carrying a lot of luggage?

While carrying a lot of luggage is not recommendable, sometimes it is necessary in the case of relocations and so on. If possible, fly via the US, as airlines will allow you 64kg (two 32kg bags) instead of the 20kg in the rest of the world. Even if it is just a stopover in the US, you will be allowed to carry the extra weight. Check with your local travel agent for the details.

INdulge! A3

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

VOL.5 ISSUE 17 • MARCH 27, 2012

MOTHERHOOD

Confessions of a birthday planner

By Meghan Sta. Ines

J

UGGLING work, motherhood, and party planning is no joke. I always have to take time off from social scenes for a month-long hibernation and stint as Martha Stewart. The DIY (do-it-yourself) guru is truly heaven sent to budgetconscious moms who exhaust whatever talents and creativity they can discover and juice out, just to make their simple celebration look more festive. I, for one, go the extra mile by doing almost everything on my own: Invites, audio-visual presentation, decors, giveaway tags, party dress, etc. As a single mom, I can only count on my talents to make up for the small budget I usually set aside for my daughter’s soiree. If I only know how to cook gourmet dishes and bake more than the usual chocolate cake, I’d probably try and make wonders in the kitchen in dire need of a sumptuous menu.

Last year’s celebration looked so posh and “expensive” on photos and magazine print, but little did people know how much of my personal time and energy were sacrificed to pull off such concept. Tatiana was hooked to the Barbie animated film Fashion Fairytale, and it perfectly matched my idea of a black and pink motif with a French twist. Friends willingly stepped in to help me with the decorations. Going beyond my capability is already border line to being a control freak, and so I endorsed the designs I had in mind to a trusty cake artist and cookie baker.

My daughter turned 5 last February, and I was on my usual party planning rituals for about 3 weeks. I had to cut the budget by half since I was saving for her early reg-

istration fees at school and summer ballet workshop.

I moved the venue to our place instead, and worked on a shorter invite list for an intimate afternoon gathering. Our common love for French theme became our inspiration for the Patisseriethemed party (which, in the invite, we spelled as Par-tea).

I did my research online during lunch breaks, while the I slept with fresh paper cuts every evening.

My boyfriend was a first timer to this Martha Stewart living, but he generously offered a hand in producing the paper crafts. Patience was tested as I alternately took the role of teacher and crafter in between deep breaths. We were running out of time as he flew in from Manila just a week before the party. I considered myself a perfectionist at work and an occasional event planner, hence I always have that adrenaline rush and natural instinct to work at magic’s speed given the limited time. With no party planning experience to put to his credit, I did majority of the paper crafts before his arrival, so he won’t feel as pressured and for us to have more bonding time in our hands. Don’t get me wrong.

My heart melted with his sweet generosity and sincere efforts to help me with the preparations. As much as I wanted to do everything on my own, if I didn’t share my to-do list with him, he would

have felt useless and I would have drown in guilt for being selfish.

A day before the party, my boyfriend and I were already about 50 steps away from starting World War 3, with series of failed attempts in meeting party planning expectations. Even with the silent treatment, you could actually see AYOKO NA! flashed in red paint on our talk bubbles.

Me: I gave you the pattern for the favor box, right? It’s just easy. All you have to do is trace and cut through the pattern. Then fold and glue the sides and ends.

BF: Sorry. They don’t come out nice eh, ‘cause you didn’t follow ruler-perfect lines and measurements.

Ow-kay... I guess he scored a point there for being more OC than I was. But fact remains we were running out of time. Yaya graciously stood as middleman, helping with whatever she could, with a bit of side comments like, “Wow, galing ah, parang task ito ni Big Brother.”

Come event proper, we put on our best smiles and party clothes to hide telltale signs of sleepless nights. I let out a sigh of relief as I looked at our setup. It was far from the previous parties Tatiana had, but what we had put together was something insanely wonderful. I wondered how we survived such production without ending up in a hospital bed. Everything in the DIY checklist was beautifully executed and completed: Patisserie favor boxes, buntings, chef’s hats, cupcake piñata, invites, birthday dress. My mind was still in a blur as we only finished decorating the place within 30 minutes before the party.

Boyfriend transformed into a party host and twisted balloons to different shapes like piglet, horse, motorcycle,

and many more (thanks to YouTube). And just like my DIY projects, the kids got to decorate their own cupcakes, ice cream cups, and caramel apples. We even taught them how to make 3d cake slices (favor boxes made out of cardboard paper). Talk about being hands on and budget wise! The playful tots giggled endlessly even with improvised games like the Cupcake Tier, our cupcake version of Pin the Tail on the Pony.

I guess all the stress were sealed and glued so tight on the cupcake piñata, that made it difficult to manage and uncooperative at game time. We laughed ceaselessly as it took 10 sound-induced pulls to get the piñata to open, revealing hundreds of

chocolate covered treats.

Tired, sleepless, and stressed out. All the work was worth the exhaustion after seeing how happy my baby was on her birthday.

Thanks to family, cousins, friends, and godparents who made her day extra special.

Budget friendly planning and handmade decors...

Nothing looked too simple for the company who loves my daughter so much. All of you are heaven sent.

Special thanks to my boyfriend for his great love and admiration for my daughter. As promised, next year’s party won’t be as stressful: 5 months of advance planning and no grave threat of another Word War. I hope.

Bisous, bisous.

EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 17• MARCH 27, 2012

2012 Milo Sports Camps set T

HE 2012 Milo Sports Camps will be held here on May 14-23 with 10 events being lined up. official organizer vantage Sports announced the staging of the annual summer camps which will also be a part of the Davao Summerfest 2012.

“We have been granted the franchise to conduct the camps for this year and we are glad that this also be a part of the Davao Summerfest 2012,” said Kenneth Sai of vantage Sports.

The events included for this year’s camp are badminton, chess, football, gymnastics, karatedo, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis and volleyball.

The Milo Sports Camp

Capeding bags MVP trophy

a

LFRED Joshua Capeding of Team Cycle Fork bagged the Most valuable Player award in the recent Trip Ko Phoenix Fuels Under-16 Basketball League Season 3.

The Cycle Fork forward, a member of reigning national NSBC juniors champion assumption College of Davao squad, was unanimously voted by coaches as the best player of the tournament. Capeding justified his MvP trophy lifting the Cycle Forks to the title against accelerate Supreme in the finals.

Capeding also took the forward slot in the mythical five selection. He was joined in the elite five by teammate John Khenbent Yu of ateneo, Ronald Jabican of Holy Cross of Babak and Geevy Guianan of Emar Learning Center. also making it to the mythical team are accelerate Supreme’s Jan Patrick Quidato of assumption College of Davao and allin Bulanadi of Holy Cross of Davao College.

Caeding and the members of the mythical selection received medals and cash prizes from Phoenix Petroleum corporate affairs manager Beethoven Sur who distributed the prizes during the awarding rites.

v

I SUMMER CAMP. Tennis will be among the sports that will be part of the 2012 Milo Summer Camp set May 14-23 in Davao City.

has been known to conduct scientific training programs handled by sports professionals. Participants are expected to avail of the same training with those from other parts of the

country where the Milo cams will also be held.

“The camps will be held mostly at the ateneo de Davao University while swimming will be at the Green Heights pool, and

tennis at Ecolad Tennis Court,” Sai added.

Registration fee is at P2,500 per participant per sport. other details of the camps will be announced later. (Neil bRAVo)

Tiger roars again

o

RLaNDo, Fla. – What used to seem inevitable now comes as a revelation: Tiger Woods has won a golf tournament.

What used to be so familiar has turned into something refreshing: Tiger Woods emphatically vanquished a field on a Sunday. and what used to be so rote now comes as a feeling of déjà vu: Tiger Woods is heading to the Masters with a head of steam and a look of triumph.

Woods turned a precarious one-stroke lead entering Sunday’s final round at the arnold Palmer Invitational into a five-stroke statement for his first PGa Tour win since the BMW Championship in September 2009. That victory came two months before a minor car accident, at his home only miles from this Bay Hill course, which turned into one of the biggest sports scandals in history. a Pandora’s Box of past philandering and poor behavior opened for the world to see, and Woods’ reputation was permanently besotted.

He won six tournaments earlier that year, but in the insular world of the sport he played, there were both whispers and shouts that the imperturbable assassin of Sundays never would be the same. on this Sunday, he absolutely was.

that his condition was improving.

There was a clear turning point in Woods’ final round – a moment of grave concern. and it came early. on the second green, Woods mishit a 28-foot lag putt and left himself a tricky 5-footer.

These were the putts he always used to make in final rounds. Especially on Sunday. Especially on this course on Sunday, where he has won three times on the 72nd green.

He missed. Bogey.

Tiger Woods While the gallery and after making the final his caddie moved ahead putt of the day on 18, Woods to the next tee, Woods doffed his cap, grinned lined up the putt again wide and waved to a swell – without the ball. He of cheers. In what was the stared at the hole for a only poignant moment of good five seconds. Then the late afternoon came he stormed off. and as he as Woods was greeted not approached the third tee, by arnold Palmer – as is his eyes were wide and customary after this tour- unblinking in shock. He nament – but by the golf looked spooked. legend’s business manHere is where the old ager, alistair Johnston. Tiger would seize control Palmer had been taken of his emotions and his to a local hospital after a game. Here is where the spike in his blood pres- new Tiger might spiral. sure. Johnston hugged Who would we see on Woods and told him the Sunday? The man who news. Woods nodded. came into this event 37-2 Johnston then told Yahoo! when he had the outright Sports that Palmer “hasn’t lead after 54 holes? or the been feeling so well for a man who had lost control couple of days,” but was of his driver and couldn’t “thrilled” to see Woods’ make the clutch putt when victory. Later, in a short a round depended on it? press conference, JohnIn that moment, it ston said Palmer would looked like the old Tiger be held overnight and was long gone.

valdesco found the net on the 73rd and 82nd minute to seal the win and the title.

Earlier, KMMPC struck through Efren alvaran (5’), Bierniza( 9’), Pao Ibanez (22’), and Ivan Sabate (68’).

Solido Youth turned back Metro TMS 5-3 to take runner-up honors with a 5-0-2 record for 15 points. The “Three Musketeers” composed of Jed Diamante, Javi RomeroSalas anfd Miko arrieta scored all five goals for the young orange squad.

Metro TMS (4-0-3)

dropped to fourth with 12 points in what could be a farewell stint as a ballclub under the TMS name. The squad is reported to revert to its original club Crocodile

KMMPC wins DFA Div. 2

ETERaN-LaDEN KMMPC-aquino Coliseum blanked Eden FC 6-0 to cap an amazing run and take home the title in the DFa Second Division League tournament at the Tionko Field over the weekend.

Renee valdesco, a former National Team standout now chief of police in Carmen, Davao del Norte, fired two late markers to lay the icing on the cake for the KMMPC side as they completed the tournament with six wins against a solitary loss for 18 points.

FC.

Intangibles FC finished a surprise third with 13 points (4-1-2) while Metro TMS’ bitter rival Solido Fil-Chi finished sixth (3-0-4-9).

FINAL TEAM STANDINGS

Team KMMPC SOLIDO YOUTH INTANGIBLES FC METRO TMS SOLIDO FILCHI M7 UNITED INSTATECH FC EDEN FC

(win-draw-loss-points) 6-0-1 18 5-0-2 15 4-1-2 13 4-0-3 12 3-0-4 9 3-0-4 9 2-1-4 7 0-0-7 0

15

An organizer’s responsibility

SPENT my weekend at the Speed City (Riverfront Corporate City complex where Davao Crocodile Park is located) for two auto sports events—the 3rd Ground Image araw ng Dabaw Drag Race and the araw ng Dabaw National Motocross.

The two events are no doubt certified crowd drawers and Speed City was definitely no speed to drive on when you are either entering or exiting. one thing about auto sports is that safety and crowd control is always a nightmare. at the drag racing, organizers installed barricades and a-boards and mounted bleachers. The experience of organizers is manifested on how they prepared the venue with consideration on safety and crowd control. For that, you got to give credit to the organizing Ground Image and the Davao Drag Racers association.

The city government lent its support to the drag race event by lending its collapsible bleachers and portalets.

It was a different situation at the other end of the Speed City where the motocross event was held. The crowd was all over the race track. I don’t know how in heaven they can risk their lives and limbs there but I heard there were reports of some accidents to the crowd.

Christian Ea, the facilities in-charge of the Speed City, told me there were some injured spectators as some bikes went overboard. accidents indeed happen. organizers could hardly control the overflowing crowd that they had to spray water from a firetruck to control the crowd.

The park was like a sea of humanity and the roadsides were lined with a kilometer stretch of bikes.

I understand that it’s no joke organizing a motocross event. However, I believe the organizers could

have anticipated that.

There were 911 units, ambulance and firetrucks in the venue but those were not enough. The absence of barricades or fences that will prevent the crowd from inching closer to the race track posed a lot of risk to the audience which I estimate to be at 30,000.

Lessons learned.

Now, there’s one more. a friend of mine in sports called me up Saturday asking help for a national event held in the city that was so poorly handled by its local organizers that the sponsoring firm took things upon themselves to try to save the event.

The venue of the event is not fit for an event of national magnitude in terms of attracting the crowd.

Sponsors wanted it held in a bigger venue like the Davao City Recreation Center or perhaps a mall venue. But why it was held in a secluded village gym (no offense to the village facility) is like holding a graduation program in the forest. There was also nary a noise in the publicity side to the point that it was overshadowed by events of lesser magnitude. Funny but even a barangay event and a tournament for local employees had better publicity than this one.

To try to save the event, the sponsor’s PR man had to ask my friend to do the rounds with the local sports media. at least one came.

Media values and audience matter a lot to sponsors. organizers know that.

Some people never learn their lessons.

Thunder melts Heat

o

KLaHoMa CITY ---With his all-Star point guard on the bench with three early fouls, two-time NBa scoring champion Kevin Durant took it upon himself to keep the oklahoma City Thunder rolling. after he did, even the mighty Miami Heat never could recover.

Durant had 28 points, nine rebounds and tied his season-high with eight assists, Kendrick Perkins added a seasonbest 16 points and the Thunder opened a difficult stretch in their schedule by beating Miami 103-87 on Sunday night.

The two title contenders opened the day tied for the second-best

record in the NBa, three games behind the Chicago Bulls in the race for the top overall seed in the playoffs.

West-leading oklahoma City edged ahead into second, with the rematch 10 days away in Miami. oklahoma City had a season-high 13 steals and forced Miami into 21 turnovers that led to 28 Thunder points. Miami’s big three—LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh—combined for 15 of the giveaways.

“We will own this one,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. “They jumped us. Everybody saw it. They had us on our heels and they were the aggressors.”

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VOL.5 ISSUE 17• MARCH 27, 2012

EDGEDAVAO