Edge Davao 5 Issue 48

EDGEDAVAO

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

VOL.5 ISSUE 48 • MAY 11 , 2012

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Serving a seamless society

Indulge Page A1

Drug abuse up in region by 11%

By Jade C. Zaldivar

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HILIPPINE Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA noted an 11.03 increase in drug arrests made on Region 11 from January to April of this year compared to the same period last year.

In the first four months of this year

n The increase is attributed to

the proliferation of drugs during the early months of the year. there were 161 drug offenders arrested while there were only 145 in 2011 in

the same period.

PDEA 11 officer in charge Emerson Rosales said the number of cases filed is higher as one drug offender may have as many as three cases filed against him or her.

Rosales attributed the increase in arrests to the proliferation of drugs in

FDRUG, 13

Agritrends Page 7

Sports Page 15

Relocation of fish cages problematic ACROBATIC. Workers, appearing to have no safety gears, tediously work on a billboard along a major street in Davao City on Thursday. [KARLOS MANLUPIG]

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EVERAL options are being considered for the fish cages at Punta Dumalag in Matina this city which were ordered to stop operations by August because its waters contain human and animal waste.

n Each option has its own down- sentatives from city departments

side.

City Agricultal Office (CAO) chief for extension division Jovencio Umaguin yesterday said a team of repre-

are considering, among others, to relocate the fish cages to either the northern or southern coast of the city.

Each option, however, has its

FRELOCATION, 13

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THE BIG NEWS

VOL.5 ISSUE 48 • MAY 11, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Cenro says:

Bio-plastics helping reduce amount of waste in landfill

By Lorie A. Cascaro

ordinance.

“Imagine pilay nagasto nato sa landfill, P300M. Punuon na nato sa four years then we will have to find another landfill kung mapuno na. Mogasto na pud ta, dili lang na P300M. So, mao nay pinakapurpose pud. Ang sanitary landfill nato dili mapuno kay dako kaayo tag gasto sa atong sanitary landfill pag construct ana,” he said.

The sanitary landfill in New Carmen, Tugbok District is expected to be 100 percent filled in four years.

By reducing residual wastes, mainly from nonbiodegradable containers, he said, the sanitary landfill cou;d last up tp ten years.

Felizarta noted that since the implementation of the solid waste management ordinance, the average amount of waste collected in the city was reduced from 500-700

tons to 420 tons a day in 2011, and currently to 402 tons a day.

With the reduction of an average 100 tons of waste a day last year, he said, the city saved P90,000 a day or about P32 million last year in hauling expenditures.

He said this improvement is attributed to the strict implementation of the ordinance, complimenting the Cenro’s enforcers and deputy enforcers in the barangays.

In fact, 2,000 violators of the ordinance had been apprehended and 40 of them fined accordingly while some 400 cases are pending in court.

However, he cited the dilemma wherein some barangay captains may hesitate to apprehend violators as the election period approaches. “I advised them to let their deputized enforcers do the apprehending instead.”

HE Davao City Tourism Office will propose a system for online submission of hotel occupancy to address the issues of some owners who refuse to submit their reports.

City Tourism Officer Jason Magnaye said that only 49-50% of some 120 accredited hotels and other accommodation establishments in the city submitted reports to the city tourism office.

Tax exposure may be a possible concern of some who have not submitted, he told reporters, adding that his office will be looking at the anonymity feature of the online system or at least limit the attribution process.

“If you submit the report, only a few people, maybe the regional director of the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the city tourism officer will be allowed to trace the source of data to only determine who submitted and who has not yet,” he said.

He pointed out that the meeting will help them understand the issues why some could not

submit reports regularly; what makes them uncomfortable; and, for the city tourism office to propose the online system, which may address their issues.

Offered for free by a member of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Davao, the proposed online system may be in the form of username-password, by which the encoded figures will automatically go to the big picture without showing the details.

Only the total aggregated data of the reports can be viewed in general access.

“We will explain to the owners and/or general managers that what we are after is the aggregated data only to have a clear picture of the city’s tourist arrivals. We will not divulge that a particular hotel has this number of occupancy, while another has only this number,” he added.

He mentioned that gathering the total number of tourist arrivals through hotel occupancy is a nationwide problem, noting that some areas have

zero submission of reports.

He aims for at least 80% of the 5,500 total accommodation rooms in the city to have a substantial data on tourist arrivals, saying such percentage would be more or less a good grasp of the total picture of the industry.

“I really would want to pursue this because when we quote figures on tourist arrivals, we cannot quote the actual figure because of the submission issue,” he said.

Having attended a national tourism statistics conference, he told Art Boncato, regional director of DOT 11, that he wants to pursue tourism statistics so that the city can plan promotional activities based on relevant and accurate data.

Further, Magnaye said as the DOT 11 is pursuing the accreditation of hotels and other accommodation establishments in the city, the total number of reported tourist arrivals will increase, along with the expected increase of reports submissions once the online system will be approved. [LORIE A. CASCARO]

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said Jason Magnaye, officer in charge of the Davao City Investment Promotion Center.

“Because of the things that are happening now as far as the power sector is concerned, we still need additional ca-

pacity of power, especially in Southern Mindanao where the bulk of demand is coming from,” he added.

Aside from power generation, any investment pertaining to green technology will also qualify as priority investments,

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AWYER-ENGINEER Dominic Joseph Felizarta, officer in charge of the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro), said in yesterday Club 888 Forum at The Marco Polo Davao that biodegradable plastic containers will help minimize the use of the city’s sanitary landfill.

The use of plastic and styro foam as food / beverage containers has been banned by law starting June 28, 2012 with all plastic manufacturers advised to use an additive that converts plastic into a biodegradable substance.

The Cenro conducted an information dissemination drive last April 27 for all large stores in the city to ban their use of non-biodegradable containers as mandated by a solid waste management

Urge online submission of city’s hotel occupancy

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Power generation, green tech prioritized in investment code

HE proposed amendment to the Davao City Investment Incentive Code, which was passed on first reading by the City Council last Tuesday, includes power generation in priority investment areas,

FPOWER, 13

LEGAL PERSPECTIVE. Atty. Kaloy Zarate from the Union of People’s Lawyers in Mindanao talks about the legal perspectives on press work at the media forum about

decriminalizing libel sponsored by the Philippine Press Institute on Thursday. KARLOS MANLUPIG

Decriminalize libel, says lawyers’ group

I

n a media forum yesterday at the Ateneo de Davao University, lawyer Carlos Isagani T. Zarate, secretary general of the Union of People’s Lawyers in Mindanao, and vice president for Mindanao of the National Union of People’s Lawyers, said the Philippine libel law should be revised as it is “antediluvian” having been enacted before the World War II. Zarate said that during the American period in this country, people’s resistance was so strong the government wanted to control information, especially by the press, “But, that situation is no longer true today. It’s anathema in a democratic country. Why would you imprison a person who merely expressed his or her opinion?” he said, adding that a person may be found guilty of libel in a civil case and nade to pay damages, but should not be sent to prison.

“Jailing journalists for libel is already taking away their liberty,” he said. “The threat is there. It’s like the sword of Damocles sword hanging over their heads. So, if you’re not firm in your role as a journalist, which is to inform the public so that they can form their own opinion will have learned opinion, you will come out half-baked,” he added.

“Aside from removing its criminal aspect, the

law on libel should be adjusted,” Zarate added, “because we are now in the era of social media with the use of internet where anyone can post updates through Facebook, Twitter, and the like.”

Also at the forum, Jess Dureza, Mindanao trustee of the Philippine Press Institute, said it is very important for members of the media to have their own internal code of ethics so that they can police themselves.

He noted that the line between freedom and abuse should be very clear as the media organization’s code of ethics is very clear to reporters.

“Freedom of the press tells us that there should be no prior censorship, although in radio and TV there must be prior censorship otherwise the National Telecommunications Commission may cut your frequency if you commit violations. But, for print media there is no limit. You will only be answerable after you print it, but nobody should stop you from publishing it, except your newspaper organization. Your editor can kill your story,” he said.

Quips

Zarate and Dureza want to organize the stand of media workers in Mindanao on decriminalizing libel by conducting more media forums outside Davao City, aside from formally writing to the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), requesting to revive the “help desk” for media, which was first launched in Davao in 1999.

Citing the significance of the previous “help desk” Zarate said the revived one will be agreed between the IBP and media organizations to provide free legal assistance, either legal representation and/or advice to all media persons in the city who have issues in performing their duties.

In his presentation, Zarate cited Article 353 of the Revised Penal Code, defining libel as “a public and malicious imputation of a crime, or of a vice or defect, real or imaginary, or any act, omission, condition, status, or circumstance tending to cause dishonor, discredit, or contempt of a natural or juridical person, or to blacken the memory of one who is dead.”[LORIE A. CASCARO]

‘MY parents said I could quit show biz anytime but I was afraid that if I stopped working, we’d have to return to our old lifestyle. I didn’t want that.’

--ACTRESS AIZA SEGUERRA, FORMER CHILD ACTRESS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.5 ISSUE 48 • MAY 11, 2012

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4 SCIENCE/ENVIRONMENT

VOL.5 ISSUE 48 • MAY 11, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Big rise in Pacific Ocean plastic waste

Debris tends to collect within the North Pacific Subtropical Convergence Zone. Ocean eddies and other small ocean circulation features will further aggregate material into more discrete “garbage patches” The quantity of small plastic fragments floating in the north-east Pacific Ocean has increased a hundred fold over the past 40 years.

Scientists from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography documented the big rise when they trawled the waters off California.

They were able to compare their plastic “catch” with previous data for the region.

The group reports its findings in the journal Biology Letters.

“We did not expect to find this,” says Scripps researcher Miriam Goldstein.

“When you go out into the North Pacific, what you find can be highly variable. So, to find such a clear pattern and such a large increase was very surprising,” she told BBC News.

All the plastic discarded into the ocean that does not sink will eventually break down.

Sunlight and the action of the waves will degrade and shred the material over time into pieces the size of a fingernail, or smaller.

An obvious concern is that this micro-material could be ingested by marine organisms, but the Scripps team has noted an-

Can the oceans be cleared of floating plastic rubbish?

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CIENTISTS are investigating ways of dealing with the millions of tonnes of floating plastic rubbish that is accumulating in our oceans.

They are a quirk of ocean currents - a naturally created vortex known as a gyre - where floating rubbish tends to accumulate.

The largest is in the North Pacific and covers an area twice the size of France. Others have since been discovered in the North Atlantic and most recently the South Atlantic.

Scientists now fear the same process is probably taking place in the South Pacific and Indian Ocean.

As well as damaging coasts and killing marine

life who mistake the plastic for food, contaminants in the water, which attach to the plastic debris, are transporting waste chemicals across the world’s oceans.

‘Plastic munching’ At the UK’s University of Sheffield, scientists are investigating how they could accelerate the speed at which the plastic breaks down by looking at micro-organisms already found in the sea that naturally feed on plastic.

Promising results have already been seen in finding out which microbes are attaching themselves to plastic in coastal waters around the UK. The next stage will be to analyse how these

FC AN, 13

other, perhaps unexpected, consequence.

The fragments make it easier for the marine insect Halobates sericeus to lay its eggs out over the ocean.

These “sea skaters” or “water striders” - relatives of pond water skaters - need a platform for the task.

Normally, this might be seabird feathers, tar lumps or even pieces of pumice rock. But it is clear from the trawl results that H. sericeus has been greatly aided by the numerous plastic surfaces now available to it in the Pacific.

The team found a strong association between the presence of Halobatesand the micro-plastic in a way that was just not evident in the data from 40 years ago.

Ms Goldstein explained: “We thought there might be fewer Halobates if there’s more plastic - that there might be some sort of toxic effect. But, actually, we found the opposite.

In the areas that had the most plastic, we found the most Halobates.

“So, they’re obviously congregating around this plastic, laying their eggs on it, and hatching out from it.

For Halobates, all this plastic has worked out well for them.” s Goldstein and colleagues gathered their information on the abundance of micro-plastic during the Scripps Environmental Accumulation of Plastic Expedition (Seaplex) off California in 2009. They then compared their data with those from

other scientific cruises, including archived records stretching back to the early 1970s.

Plastic waste in the North Pacific is an ongoing concern.

The natural circulation of water - the North Pacific Gyre - tends to retain the debris in reasonably discrete, long-lived collections, which have popularly become known as “garbage patches”. In the north-eastern Pacific, one of these concentrations is seen in waters between Hawaii and California.

This Scripps study follows another report by colleagues at the institution that showed 9% of the fish collected during the same Seaplex voyage had plastic waste in their stomachs.

That investigation, published in Marine Ecol-

ogy Progress Series, estimated the fish at intermediate ocean depths in the North Pacific Ocean could be ingesting plastic at a rate of roughly 12,000 to 24,000 tonnes per year.

Toxicity is the issue most often raised in relation to this type of pollution, but Ms Goldstein and colleagues say broader ecosystem effects also need to be studied.

The abundance of ocean debris will influence the success, or otherwise, of “rafting communities” those species that are specifically adapted to life on or around objects floating in the water.

Larger creatures would include barnacles and crabs, and even fish that like to live under some kind of cover, but largescale change would likely touch even the smallest

organisms.

“The study raises an important issue, which is the addition of hard surfaces to the open ocean,” says Ms Goldstein.

“In the North Pacific, for example, there’s no floating seaweed like there is in the Sargasso Sea in the North Atlantic. And we know that the animals, the plants and the microbes that live on hard surfaces are different to the ones that live floating around in the water.

“So, what plastic has done is add hundreds of millions of hard surfaces to the Pacific Ocean. That’s quite a profound change.”

Ms Goldstein’s co-authors were Marci Rosenberg, a student at the University of California Los Angeles, and Scripps research biologist emeritus Lanna Cheng. [BBC]

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

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

THE ECONOMY

VOL.5 ISSUE 48 • MAY 11, 2012

5

DA allocates P1.3 billion for Davao farmers, fishers T

HE Department of Agriculture (DA) has earmarked multimillion funds for various livelihood projects to aid farmers, fisherfolk, women and indigenous peoples in Mindanao.

The DA’s Mindanao Rural Development Program (DAMRDP) has already spent a total of P388.25 million for its livelihood arm.

While, another P345.37 million were downloaded to on-going projects and those ready for implementation; and a total of P412.30 million for those new projects under preparation by the People’s Organizations (PO) making the overall portfolio of CFAD to approximately P1.3 billion.

Program director Lealyn A. Ramos, in her report to DA Sec-

retary Proceso J. Alcala, said the Community Fund for Agricultural Development (CFAD) component spent the amount mostly in food security interventions, community managed livelihoods and small support infrastructure.

The various livelihoods have benefitted a total of 124,816 households.

With the aim to increase agricultural production and increase incomes of small farmers, CFAD component is a municipal-based funding facility though which MRDP provides financing for the diverse needs and priorities expressed by poor communities.

“The bottom-up approach under the Program where the people’s organization themselves identify and manage

the project has promoted participation and transparency in governance and prompted for the empowerment of many rural folks,” Ramos said.

To date, there are already 3,712 agri-based livelihoods funded. Some 1,605 were completed, 574 are still on-going and 584 are ready for implementation and the rest are under preparatory stage.

Caraga and Region 12 lead in the implementation with P235 million under its portfolio. Region 12 has total projects of 765 where 389 of which have been completed and turned over to POs. The Caraga region has a total subprojects of 689 where 356 have been completed.

Region 10 follows closely having accessed P232.21 mil-

lion for its covered towns. The region has a total of 767 subprojects where 352 completed.

ARMM has a total portfolio of 227 million for its 506 projects; Region 11 has a portfolio of P157.50 million with a total of 531 subprojects; and Region 9 P139.75 million for 444 projects.

“Aside from the number of completed subprojects, we are also glad that we are attaining our goal to benefit 30 percent of women and indigenous peoples,” Ramos added.

In its mid-term assessment, CFAD has benefited a total of 30,913 IPs or close to 25 percent of the total beneficiaries, while women count reaches 54,359 or close to 44 percent of the total beneficiaries.

have account amounting not more than P10,000 and have no outstanding loan with the bank, woulad start to receive the deposit insurance by the end of this month.

On the other hand, servicing for account holders with more than P10,000 deposits is expected to start “no later than end of June 2012.”

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) placed EIB under PDIC receivership on April 26, 2012 after EIB officials requested the central bank to

take over the bank’s operations due to insolvency issue.

EIB, which as of December last year has about 50,092 accounts, sent a letter to BSP to inform monetary officials that the commercial bank, which is listed with the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), will declare a bank holiday on April 27, 2012.

EIB is a 50-unit bank with head office in Exportbank Plaza, Chino Roces Avenue corner Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City. As of December 31, 2011, the bank has total deposit li-

abilities of P15.98 billion.

Despite EIB’s closure, the BSP said the country’s banking system “remains sound and stable with ample liquidity and high level of capitalization.”

“The closure of EIB is not expected to adversely affect the Philippine banking system considering its relatively small size. Its total assets is equivalent to only about 0.3 percent of the total assets of the banking system,” the BSP said in a statement. (PNA)

BDO submits rehab plan for Export Bank

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HE Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. (PDIC) is now reviewing the new rehabilitation program proposal of the Sy-led Banco de Oro Unibank (BDO) for the closed Export and Industry Bank (EIB).

In a statement, the state deposit insurer said the proposal had “certain conditions”, thus, the agency “is reviewing the legal and economic viabilities of said proposal.”

“Some of the conditions as proposed are not within the authority of PDIC,” it said.

PDIC said that as a receiver, the agency had 90 days to “determine the rehabilitation proposal that is most advantageous to depositors, creditors and taxpayers.”

It also plans to “come up with a terms of reference for all interested parties to consider as well as engage the services of a financial auditor to help PDIC determine the valuation of Export & Industry Bank (EIB).”

“These will be submitted to the PDIC Board and the Monetary Board that will ultimately approve the rehabilitation proposal,” it said. ”The immediate concern now is to take stock of the deposit liabilities of EIB and conduct payout for all valid insured deposits as soon as possible,” it said.

PDIC said EIB account holders who have complete information on the bank’s record,

TOURISM INVESTMENTS. BelMar Ecopark & Beach Resort, the province’s newest tourist attraction, looks over Sarangani Bay and Mt. Matutum. The resort, which opened Tuesday, May 8, is located

in barangay Kapatan just along the national highway going to downtown Glan. It has a resto bar and coffee shop, aircon rooms and cottages and a pasalubong center.

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

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THE ECONOMY

VOL.5 ISSUE 48 • MAY 11, 2012

Hydro power plant T is back on the grid

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HE National Power Corporation (Napocor) successfully completed the rehabilitation of the Pulangui IV Hydroelectric Power Plant in Bukidnon Tuesday, or nine days ahead of the original target date of May 17, boosting prospects that the tight power supply situation in Mindanao will soon normalize.

Napocor president Froilan A. Tampinco said the repair of the 26-yearold power plant was completed earlier than scheduled due to the concerted efforts of the agency’s operations personnel and Mamasar Construction, the contractor for the rehab project.

“Our plant personnel at Pulangui IV worked 24/7 with our private contractor to bring the power plant back on-line at the earliest time possible, and for this we commend them,” he said.

Official data from Napocor’s Mindanao Generation Group shows that Unit 1 of Pulangui IV was energized at 3:02 p.m.

May 8, while Unit 2 went on-line at 5:15 p.m.

The third and final unit was synchronized to the Mindanao grid at 6:38 p.m. on the same day.

With the repair works completed, Pulangui IV is now producing 150 megawatts. The power plant’s output is expected

EDGEDAVAO

Government debt now P4.9 trillion

to increase to 250 MW. To recall, Napocor shut down Pulangi IV last April 17 to pave the way for the repair of the plant’s headrace channel/ surge pool, as well as the Preventive Maintenance Servicing (PMS) of Pulangui IV’s three turbine generator units.

Napocor had estimated that repair works will take 30 days, but had also vowed to fast-track the project.

It has earmarked P7.11 million for the rehabilitation of Pulangui IV. It was the first time that the 255-megawatt power plant underwent major repair works since it started operating in

1986.

Under the rehabilitation project, Napocor was able to restore the stability of the headrace channel and the surge pool riprap protection.

The 9.5-kilometerlong headrace channel is the part of the power plant where the water that is used to run Pulangi IV passes through before going to the turbine generator units.

The rehabilitation of Pulangui IV has been in Napocor’s work program as early as 2011, when major defects such as massive scouring were first noticed on the headrace channel.

HE Philippine government’s total liabilities rose by 5.53 percent year-onyear in February 2012 but contracted by 1.61 percent from the previous month’s level.

Data released by the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) Wednesday showed that total debt of the government reached P4.91 trillion at the end of the second month this year, up from year-ago’s P4.66 trillion but down from the P4.99 trillion in end-January this year.

The report said bulk of the liabilities was sourced from on-shore creditors at P2.83 trillion or 57.54 percent while the balance of 42.46 percent amounting to P2.1 trillion was sourced from off-shore fund sources.

Domestic debt at the end of February this year rose by 6.11 percent or P162.76 billion from year-ago’s P2.66 trillion but contracted by P50.37 billion from month-ago’s P2.88 trillion after the government redeemed P50.35 billion worth of securities and the P0.02 billion net depreciation of the dollar and the euro against the peso on Multicurrency retail treasury bonds (RTBs).

Relatively, foreign debt increased by 4.75 percent from the P1.99 trillion in end-February 2011 but dropped by P30.2 billion compared to

last January’s P2.12 trillion because of the P12.27 billion appreciation of the peso against the dollar and P23.82 billion net depreciation of third currencies against the US dollar.

“The decrease however was partially offset by the P5.83 billion net availment and P0.06 billion adjustment due to late receipt of notices of availment,” the BTr reported.

Similarly, the contingent debt, mostly composed of governmentissued guarantees increased year-on-year but contracted compared to last January’s level.

As of last February, the government’s contingent debt totalled to P554.66 billion, 1.6 percent higher than year-ago’s P545.92 billion but 2.52 percent lower than month-ago’s P569 billion.

BTr attributed the month-on-month drop in the contingent debt to the combination of P2.38 billion appreciation of the peso against the dollar, P1.23 billion net repayment, P10.88 billion net depreciation of third currencies against the dollar, and P0.34 billion adjustment due to late receipt of notices of availment.

“The decrease in domestic contingent debt was due to the P0.19 billion repayment under PSALM’s Syndicated Term Loan Facility,” it said. (PNA)

Sun Life hits P1-B premiums in Q1 PLASTIC BAN. City Environment and Natural Resources Office Chief Atty. Joseph Felizarta shows the various types of non-biodegradable plastic bags and styrofoams that will be prohibited in the city starting on July 28 as enforced by the City Solid Waste Management Ordinance. KARLOS MANLUPIG

Vista Land is the Philippines’ largest homebuilder

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HE Villar-led Vista Land & Lifescapes is the Philippines’ largest homebuilder, this was confirmed by a market report prepared by Colliers International Philippines Inc. “Based on a market scan of various vertical and horizontal residential projects in the Philippines developed by 14 major players in the real estate industry, Vista Land has captured 22%

It figures

$2billion

The total amount of investment that the Japanese gaming firm Universal Entertainment Corp., led by its chairman Kazuo Okada, planned to pour in at the Pagcor Entertainment City.

of the over 80,000 units of reservation sales in 2011 with the middle-income as their primary market,” Colliers said in a report dated March 2012.

According to the said report, “The advantage of Vista Land is that they have a good track record in developing livable communities in the country even before the other players came in.”

Vista Land has condo-

P68billion

The total income earned by the government-run hydroelectric power plants in Mindanao since they came online more than a decade ago, but the income had been used to fund operating losses of the non-hydroelectric power sources according to the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA).

minium and subdivision projects in over 50 cities and municipalities. With this wide coverage, the company is the largest homebuilder in the country.

Company President and Chief Executive Officer Manuel Paolo Villar stated that the company expects continued strong performance in 2012. “We are projecting around 20% revenue and earnings

P88.784million

The net profit of San Miguel Properties Inc. (SMPI), the property arm of conglomerate San Miguel Corp., in 2011, an 87.5-percent decrease from the P734 million that it reported the preceding year.

growth for 2012 which should result in another record year for our company.” Villar said. “Demand for housing in the Philippines continues to be very strong so we are expecting robust growth in reservation sales given our planned project launches countrywide.” he added.

Vista Land’s planned capital expenditure outlay is projected to exceed PHP15 billion for 2012.

70%

The total percentage share of the released budget for the year according to Budget Secretary Florencio Abad, constituting P1.26 trillion of the P1.816- trillion total budget.

S

UN Life Grepa Financial Inc., the joint venture company of Sun Life Financial and the Yuchengco Group which has an exclusive bancassurance alliance with the Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation, collected in excess of One Billion in total premiums in Q1 2012, a growth of 48% year on year.

“We are delighted with the progress that we have made in the 1st quarter of 2012”, said Naresh Krishnan, President & CEO of Sun Life Grepa. “With a strengthened product portfolio, beefed-up bancassurance channel, and operational efficiencies, we are very hopeful that the business will achieve

P6billion AMOUNT the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. is investing in TV5 and Cignal TV. The investment will be in the form of Philippine Depository Receipts.

more milestones in the months ahead.”

Sun Life Grepa was officially launched in October last year following the sealing of the agreement between Sun Life and the Yuchengco Group allowing the former to acquire 49% of Grepa Financial.

SLGFI launched three variable universal life (VUL) products early this year - Sun Grepa Power Builder 1, 5 and 10. VUL products are life insurance products that are enhanced with an investment component. In a VUL plan, premiums and death benefits are flexible and the fund value depends on the performance of the funds that have been chosen by the policyholder.

$65million AMOUNT (P2.75 billion) set aside by the United States as fresh development aid to the Philippines under the two allies’ five-year Partnership for Growth (PFG) program.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.5 ISSUE 48 • MAY 11, 2012

AGRITRENDS

7

Uplands: The ‘last frontier’ of Filipino farmers Text and Photos by Jims Vincent T. Capuno

“P

OOREST of the poor.” “Marginalized.” “Illiterate.” These are some of the terms used to describe the upland farmers in the Philippines . But the Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center (MBRLC) Foundation, Inc., a non-governmental organization in Kinuskusan, Bansalan, Davao del Sur, depicted them as “neglected.”

“The upland farmer faces a very dark future unless something can be done for him very soon,” says MBRLC Director Roy C. Alimoane. “He is the least educated, least paid, least healthy, least hopeful, and most neglected in agricultural development of all people in the country.”

Uplanders are referred to as the “poorest of the poor” in the Philippine society since they survive below the poverty line level. The impoverished situation is reflected in their houses made of bamboo, tree bark, and cogon thatch roofing. Their sources of water are either mountain springs or streams.

In terms of education, the upland farmer rarely finishes grade school. Studies show that he either drops out after the third grade or does not even attempt to enter school. His wife, like himself, fares no better.

In the Philippine context, the uplands are roll-

ing to steep lands, with slopes ranging upward from 18 percent. About 60 percent of the country’s total land area of 30 million hectares is upland.

“The inhabitants (of these upland areas) are primarily farming families in dire poverty and insecurity,” noted a study commissioned by the National Research Council Project (NCRP). “Subsistence food production, rather than forestry, is their overriding priority.”

Most uplanders belong to the category of “small farmers.”

And “small farmers,” the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) states, constitute “at lest 70 percent of over three-quarters of the world’s population living in the developing world, primarily in the rural areas.

“Even with reasonable amounts of fertile land,” FAO continued, “most face serious obstacles – the lack of appropriate technology and agricultural inputs, inadequate marketing facilities and poor community services such as sanitation, medical care, and education. The result is widespread poverty and malnutrition, and all their attendant miseries.”

In the past, most of these small farmers owned modest lots to till – but not for long. This was when globalization and commercialization took place.

In Mindanao , for instance, when commercial agricultural plantations of banana and pineapple expanded, poorer farmers were pushed onto marginal lands. In the lowland areas of Leyte , commercialization and concentration of agricultural lands has decreased the land available for poor farmers, and were forced to initiate farming in upland areas.

“As effective control of agricultural land becomes more concentrated in the hands of wealthier farmers and corporations, small farms are becoming smaller,” said the NCRPcommissioned study.

As a result, the uplands become the “last frontier” for these farmers. This has been echoed

by Charles Castro in his paper, Uplands and Uplanders; In Search for New Perspective.

“Even if the Philippine government poured all of its resources, money, and talent in expanding the carrying capacity of the lowlands, it would still become all too clear that the next focus for rural development efforts will have to be the uplands,” Castro wrote.

“For it is in the uplands where supplementary additional food sources will be grown,” he further noted. “It is in the uplands which will give Filipinos temporary elbow room for the land shortage. It is in the uplands where

alternatives for fossil fuel requirements may be produced.

“It is in the uplands where consequently new problems of tenure, social justice, and human rights will be fought, and it is in the uplands where the long-term viability of resources needed by the densely populated areas such as irrigation water, timber, and coastal and fishery resources can be established,” Castro concluded.

Unfortunately, the country’s uplands these days are on the verge of total destruction. “Most of the uplands have long been subjected to unregulated logging, squatting, andkaingin (slash-andburn farming),” deplored MBRLC’s Alimoane.

As a result, the country now experiences droughts and floods every year, not to mention the declining fertility of these areas. Degradation of the uplands is further aggravated by rugged terrain and heavy rainfall which brings about rapid soil erosion.

“Soil erosion is an enemy to any nation – far worse than any external enemy coming into a country and conquering it because it’s an enemy you cannot see vividly,” declared Harold R. Watson, former MBRLC director and recipient of the 1985 Ramon Magsaysay Award for peace and in-

ternational understanding. “It’s a slow creeping enemy that soon possesses the land.”

At that time, Watson warned that soil erosion will imperil the food production in the Philippines in the coming years.

“Land is not being remade,” he averred. “Soil is made by God and put here for man to use, not for one generation but forever. It takes thousands of years to build one inch of topsoil but only one good strong rain to remove one inch from unprotected soil on the slopes of mountains.”

Alimoane cited deforestation as one of the primary culprits of soil erosion. “With the canopies of the trees to hold it together, rains easily wash the soil downstream, clogging up rivers and dams with silt,” he explained. “This causes rivers to overflow, flooding farmlands.”

Most environmentalists put the blame for the droughts that usually ravage the country on denudation. Had there been trees, they contend, rainwater would be absorbed into the soil, there would be more transpiration, moisture would be retained and there would be more showers. With the trees gone, the parched lies dusty and dry.

Other consequences: lower food production, famine, degraded environment, loss of endemic species, destabilized climates,

the silting of rivers and reservoirs, ruined irrigation systems and fisheries.

Deforestation is one of the major causes of soil erosion, which in turns steals the future of farm families. What sets this vicious cycle in motion? Many things, including: · Logging (either legal or illegal) that strips a whole country of trees. Sometimes, greed motivates the rape of the forests, sometimes perceived economic necessity. Poor countries like the Philippines often go to their forest to pay soaring debts. ·Lowland farmers turned uplanders who attack virgin forest lands to cultivate the rich soil, which can be depleted quickly due to erosion. Then, they move to another area, looking for more. One day, there is no more areas where they can move. ·The endless search for fuel. By one estimate, 85 percent of meals in the developing countries, including the Philippines , are cooked over wood or charcoal.

Overpopulation. “The uplands are fragile areas, and when they get overloaded, they just can’t take it,” Alimoane pointed out. “Some people move and get trapped into something worse – urban slums, squatting, prostitution, drugs, you name it.”

8 VANTAGE POINTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 48 • MAY 11, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Providing some havens for persons with disabilities SPECIAL FEATURE

BY SWELLA S. PAGACITA

P

EDITORIAL

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The devil is in the details

HERE is a mounting advocacy among media practitioners to advance press freedom and promote the protection of media practitioners by amending pertinent provisions of the Law on Libel in the outdated Revised Penal Code.

The advocates want to make libel no longer a criminal offense, but a civil one, wherein one who’s found guilty of it will be made to pay only civil damages, not serve time behind prison bars.

The novel idea of decriminalizing libel, embodied in House Bill 476 authored by Rep. Juan Edgardo Angara of Aurora, is a worldwide trend whose time has come.

Still, we want to look into the details and examine the provisions of the proposed amendment to make sure that they are really advantageous to media practitioners.

How will the practitioner be benefited by CORRIGENDUM: In yesterday’s editorial titled “Lowcost carriers, low quality of service,” the third paragraph should read “The same complaints have been aired a thousand and more times, but the lapses keep on recurring, giving us the

EDGEDAVAO

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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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impression that the airline operators enjoy seeing their customers suffer, a kind of sadism (not masochism as erroneously printed) that should have no place in the airline industry.” -The editor

Quips

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Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

Printed by Zion Accuprint Publishing Inc.

the new law aside from being no longer called a criminal? Will decriminalizing the offense protect the media person from harassments by an affluent aggrieved party, who is willing and capable of seeking huge amount of indemnification that is beyond the means of the journalist?

In case the guilty journalist is insolvent or has no cash, will his personal property be garnished? If he has no property, will there be a subsequent imprisonment?

Will decriminalizing libel stop or at least minimize media killings in the country? Will it discourage an aggrieved person from harming a journalist through violent means?

On the other hand, how will decriminalizing libel advance responsible journalism? We want to know the exact provisions so they can be subjected to intelligent analysis and discussion. As they say the devil is in the details.

ARLENE D. PASAJE Cartoons

RAMON M. MAXEY Consultant

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

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

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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

ERSONS with disabilities (PWDs) usually strike us as objects of pity who are in need of charity, care and protection.

They appear to be helpless and at times hopeless but this is not true in most cases for the differently-abled or PWDs. In fact, the Department of Social welfare and Development (DSWD) is helping in promoting and protecting PWDs through its programs and services designed to make PWDs productive members of the society.

“We send them to National Rehabilitation Center (NRC). There, they are trained how to do basic sewing, cooking, carpentry and other trades,” said Ken Sabangan, PWD Unit staff, administrative aide 2 of Valenzuela City.

In DSWD Valenzuela, for instance, there is a haven for PWDs who are able to work after undergoing training in scientific massage, handicraft, tailoring, watch repair, computer repair, canteen management, etc.

Other courses available for residential facilities are services like social, health, paramedical, physical, occupational and therapy activities, spiritual services and community participation.

These also include homelife services such as provision for basic clothing, beddings, personal effects for maintenance health, proper sanitation and hygiene.

After undergoing vocational training and social rehabilitation, DSWD also helps PWDs find jobs suited to their skills, interest and qualifications.

They are also given assistance like scholarship grants, financial assistance, burial assistance and the likes.

The DSWD also have the non-residential and residential facilities for them.

These facilities furnish different services to PWDs like vocational and social rehabilitation and skills training, health services, occupational and therapy activities, sports activities, community participation and the likes.

There are also non-government organizations (NGOs) that also take care of promoting and protecting the welfare of differently-abled persons.

Among the NGOs is the Life Haven Inc. which is run by PWDs aided by their personal assistants.

Life haven is duly-registered nonprofit organization for persons with disabilities at the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) on July 25, 2005.

This organization envisions a society where PWDs are independent, self-determined and participate actively in promoting self-development and has a mission to promote the “Independent Living Philosophy.”

“Independent living does not mean we want to live alone or do everything by ourselves. It is independence in a way that we have the same choices and control in our everyday life like the normal persons,” said Jun Bernandino, Life of Haven staffer.

Life Haven offers services like peer counseling. Peer counseling is done to support disabled persons’ independence.

It includes not only the acceptance of disabilities but also information exchange, support and referral activities related to a consumer’s rights as members of the society and civilians.

Peer counseling is meant to recover the self-confidence of PWDs and reconstruct the human-relation aspect.

Bernandino said, “In peer counseling, we are helping them to release their emotions and burdens. Its a different feeling when you share your problem with somebody who is like you because they know what exactly you are going through.” [PNA]

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

‘MY mom, who used to be an actress, urged me on. My dad had to relent, on condition that I prioritized school. If my grades dropped, he said, he would pull me out of whatever project I was in.’

--Roderick Paulate, former child actor, now Quezon city councilor

EDGEDAVAO

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I T H apologies to both Manny Piñol and Recah Trinidad, recent knockout victim Lorenzo Villanueva is not going anywhere. He can’t be genuine world boxing champion let alone a durable one.

I have seen tapes of Villanueva’s fights and was lucky enough to be at the ringside in one of his fights. No doubt, he packs a lot of power. Beyond that, he is below average. He sorely lacks defense.

Stamina is virtually non-existent. He is flat-footed. A one-dimensional fighter as he can get. Undisciplined inside the ring. And at 26, he is no longer a spring chicken.

His story as a breadwinner who solely relies on earnings from boxing is a good copy. One that is heart-rending.

But boxing is a cruel sport. You have to be able to absorb the heaviest punches as well as you can dish them out.

In a sport where longevity is measured by your skills and power and a little bit of luck, Villanueva is nowhere near the elite class.

I

T SEEMS so easy for my friend Jamil to say that he can easily turn a small capital of, say P200T or less, into P1 million or more in about two years simply by buying and selling stocks in the Philippine stock market.

But being familiar with the PSE Trading Contest where new and old traders compete on how much they can gain in only eight (8) months with an imaginary paper “capital” of P1 Million, I think I’m beginning to be convinced that Jamil can do it.

I’ve seen the results of some of this PSE trading contest and marveled how the top ten winning traders turned P1M into P5M, P8M and even up to P20M in just eight months from May to December. Imagine only eight months during a bad year and a bad market where stock prices are mostly down!

Looking closely at the number of trades they did per month, I was astonished how fast they were getting in and out of the market, which means they would buy a stock today and probably sell it tomorrow to cut their loss before it becomes bigger.

If they stay longer with one stock and ride with it, they’re just riding with the rising price---and rising profits---to maximize their gains. If the stock price stalls, wavers and starts to decline, they unload the stock (sell it all) and get their

Monkey Business

VANTAGE POINTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 48 • MAY 11, 2012

Villanueva is not going anywhere His record may still be an excellent one despite his crushing defeat to Indonesian Daud Cino Yordan Saturday. But frankly, I believed he was thrust into the lion’s den too much too soon or rather too late at his age given his skills set.

I, however, tip my hat to Manny Piñol for developing a stable of boxers under his Braveheart Promotions. He has a good stable of fine young talents with incredible potentials. Villanueva may not be one of them, his boxing record notwithstanding.

I may be wrong but how I wish I am.

I empathize with the former Cotabato governor, too. There is a dearth of boxing promoters in Mindanao who are willing to gamble good money to have quality boxing cards despite the fact that some of our current world boxing champions and rated boxers are from the island.

Many boxing promoters and managers are forced to give up their promising wards to foreign promoters who can land them the big fights. Former Gov. Piñol himself has given up some of his boxers due to prohibitive costs of training and maintaining a stable of boxers.

Without regular boxing event in the provinces, boxing fans will be content on watching replays and live feeds on TV

and cable.

Without a big fan base for live boxing, promoters and boxing managers have to go elsewhere if they cannot stomach being fed by trial horses and bum opponents for their prospects. Once these young talents go elsewhere, they begin to realize that the outside world is far crueler and that they need more than a bit of luck to succeed.

I can run you a list of young talents from Mindanao who failed to make it big time in the international scene precise-

profits.

I don’t know how they picked the “right” stocks to buy, but Jamil told me last week he already found the “secret” in doing this, that’s why he was bold enough to say that he’s looking around for a “business partner” who really believes he can do it and could trust him completely with his investment plan.

Makati, tried to do it with small capital of P10T to 20T in the 1990’s and could show a track record of churning out 40% to 60% profits from many stocks and diligently cutting losses at 5% to 7%.

This gives him the skill, courage, confidence and determination that it’s easy for him to turn an investment capital of P200T to P1 Million in only two years or less. Or even better--- turn P1 Million to P10M in about three years.

This could work out well for people who just got their retirement pension in lump sum, or businessmen who just got paid for a big order and don’t know what to do with a big bulk of cold cash lying around, doing nothing.

Naturally, they’d like to make their “savings” grow. And as we all know, if that money is simply deposited in a bank, the bank will naturally use it to make more money for itself by investing in stocks and bonds. That’s how banks “reward” themselves for the safety guarantee they give your savings deposits.

Our only regret is that, once we come to our normal senses, we suddenly realized that the Philippines, like the rest of Asia, is still so backward compared to the US, that words like “stock trading”, “mutual fund”, stock investments”, “hedge fund”, “ short selling”, “margin”, etc are still so alien to millions of Pinoys who are mostly struggling and scavenging for a living to survive….

(Comments? Email me at : tradingpost_davao@yahoo.com)

Many boxing promoters and managers are forced to give up their promising wards to foreign promoters who can land them the big fights.

ly because of the lack of quality fights while they are beginning to climb up the ladder. But of course I might be unfair to them.

[Edwin G. Espejo writes for www. asiancorrespondent.com]

Finding the secret to a good investment

This could work out well for people who just got their retirement pension in lump sum, or businessmen who just got paid for a big order and don’t know what to do with a big bulk of cold cash lying around, doing nothing.

One of the secrets to all this is to set aside a “risk capital” as a business investment that must never be touched and never withdrawn for any “personal need” (example: pay tuition, pay rent, pay bills, emergency, etc). If part of this investment is withdrawn to settle bills, the whole thing will start to collapse, according to Jamil.

My friend, who once worked as a broker of a stock brokerage firm in

9

Algebra for lawyers

A

FTER Senators Franklin Drilon and Edgardo Angara, who else will the defense lawyers of impeached Chief Justice Renato C. Corona ask (read demand) to inhibit from the trial?

Corona’s lawyers had asked Drilon to inhibit after the senator helped the prosecution elicit information that they failed to obtain from witnesses during trial. In the case of Angara, they said there is “conflict of interest” citing his son’s work as spokesperson of the prosecution team and endorsement by President Aquino as a senatorial candidate of the Liberal Party in the 2013 election, among others.

Lead defense counsel Serafin Cuevas said they filed the seven-page motion for Angara’s inhibition because Corona has the “feeling” that the senator-judge might not be impartial in his decision.

And here’s the defense panel’s clincher, the last paragraph of the petition which reads: “The only way Senator Angara can redeem himself is to vote for acquittal.”

It’s not unlike saying the only honorable thing the Senate can do is to acquit the Chief Justice.

Coming as it did at crunch time – the Senate intends to finish the trial by May 31 – the petition has only made the defense camp look desperate even if there are no outward indications yet of how the impeachment court would vote on the case. The petition did a disservice to Corona’s cause by imputing that Angara will hand a “guilty” verdict owing to his congressman-son’s political indebtedness to the President.

The fears – or maybe paranoia – of the defense lawyers may not be baseless. But the reactions of the senators suggest that the petition has done more harm than good to Corona by implying that a vote against him is meant to return a favor from Malacañang. Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile himself rejected the idea of shunting Angara from the trial.

The Senate faces greater problems if it grants any petition to inhibit a senator-judge, as it would open a floodgate for similar moves. Cuevas and company may ask too for the inhibition of senator-judges who are known allies of the President – Teofisto Guingona, Ralph Recto and Francis Pangilinan. Corona’s lawyers would resort to an algebraic solution, that is, cancel out common values to simplify the equation before arriving at the answer.

If the Senate submits to this tack, there would be no senator-judges left to try the case. Why, the prosecutors may also find it convenient to ask the likes of Senator Joker Arroyo to inhibit too. There is no doubt in my mind that he will vote for Corona’s acquittal based on his impassioned manifestations in favor of the defense, but I don’t think he should be barred from the trial.

Inhibiting senator-judges from the trial is tantamount to disenfranchising the people who voted them so they may perform their constitutional duties, including the task of deciding the fate of impeached officials. This or that senator may not vote on the impeachment according to our personal wishes, but that’s a bitter pill we have to swallow.

Let the trial proceed to its logical end. The rest is better left to the wisdom of the sovereign people. [MindaNews/H. Marcos C. Mordeno writes mainly on the environment, human rights and politics.

He can be reached at hmcmordeno@ gmail.com]

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SUBURBIA

VOL.5 ISSUE 48 • MAY 11, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Cotabato Round-up

Harassments vs Digos-Cotabato road project alarm government

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NEW SCHOOL CHAIRS FOR PAYATAS - Workers rush to fill in the wing van with 195 assorted new school furniture fabricated by the City Government of Tagum through the Mayor Rey T. Uy’s Care for School Chairs Program last May 9, 2012. Said furniture will be delivered to Payatas Elementary School

in Quezon City, Metro Manila which lacks school chairs for its new classroom building that will be inaugurated on Friday, May 11, 2012. [PHOTO BY JORJAN FEDERISO OF CIO TAGUM]

From Tagum with love

195 new chairs sent to Payatas T

HIS city raised its social responsibility a notch higher as it delivered one hundred ninety five (195) pieces of new armchairs last May 9, 2012 to Payatas Elementary School in Quezon City, Metro Manila—the first school outside Davao Region to benefit in the “Care for School Chairs Program” initiated by City Mayor Rey T. Uy. Payatas Elementary School, which sits in the site considered by many as the face of poverty in the country, is set to inaugurate a new classroom building on Friday, May 11, 2012, but as of this writing, it still lacks school chairs and desks in the classroom.

This prompted by Undersecretary Ernesto Adobo, Jr. of the field Operation of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Office to request 100 pieces of school furniture from Mayor Uy, who immediately facilitated the hauling of chairs to be delivered to Manila.

The new school furniture was carried through a wing van commissioned by DENR Central Office and left the Tagum City Motorpool past one o’clock last May 9, 2012. Additional 95 pieces were added as per advised of Mayor Uy since the wing van can still accommodate more chairs.

The 195 pieces of

new school furniture (112 armchairs, 50 kiddie chairs, 25 deks and 8 kinder tables) were fabricated from seized logs through the Care for School Chairs Program of Mayor Uy. In an interview, Mayor Uy stressed the Local Government of Tagum is glad to reach out to Payatas and other future requests from schools as long as there are still large volume of seized logs deposited in the City’s Motorpool in Tipaz, Barangay East.

Just recently, the National Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force turned-over 2,461 pieces of lauan logs with a total volume of 490.21 cubic meters to Local

Government Unit of Tagum, which will use it for the fabrication of chairs to be distributed to schools with dilapidated chairs based in Davao Region.

Said action is in full compliance of Executive Order No. 23 mandating a total log ban issued by President Benigno S. Aquino III. Records show that LGU Tagum through the Care for School Chairs Program already delivered 40,144 pieces of new chairs since its conception in August 2011 to the schools in Tagum City, Davao City, Provinces of Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur and Compostela Valley.

[LOUIE LAPAT OF CIO TAGUM]

HE burning and bombing incidents involving heavy equipment used for the Digos-Cotabato road project have alarmed both local and the national government as these may cause failure on its implementation.

DPWH Undersecretary Rafael C. Yabut came to the province last Wednesday April 4 to “formally seek help” from the provincial government and other concerned agencies not only in the monitoring of the project but as well as in keeping the safety of contractors and other manpower involved in the project to ensure its success.

In a brief meeting with Provincial Administrator Efren L. Go and some members of the Provincial Project Monitoring Advisory Group (PPMAG), Yabut described the incidents as “demoralizing” on the part of the affected contractors. He further explained its implications that might lead to the cancellation of the project if not resolved immediately. Governor Emmylou “Lala” J. Taliño-Mendoza, Chairman of the PPMAG was on official travel during the said visit.

Maj. Reggie Bernardino of the Philippine Army on the other hand assured the undersecretary that even from the start the military had offered security assistance to the contractors but was turned down. However, after the burning incidents, contractors and project engineers now are being provided with military escorts, he said.

During the PPMAG meeting last March 21,

Team finds poor safety devices for Digos-Cotabato road project

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PHOTO OF CONFISCATED LOGS - Aerial view of the 2,461 pieces a total of 21 truckloads of Lauan logs with a total volume of 490.21 cubic meters seized logs worth 3.4 million pesos deposited in the Tagum City Motorpool in Tipaz, Barangay East. The logs are seized in Loreto, Agusan del Sur by the National

Governor Taliño-Mendoza reminded LGUs to “engage both the military and PNP” especially in monitoring security threats from lawless groups.

She also urged contractors to fast track the project taking advantage of the presence of the army especially that by October this year as filing of candidacy starts, the government will implement its gun ban policy and that presence of the military along the national highways will be minimized.

Since the project started in August last year, 3 out of 5 incidents related to DigosCotabato national road improvement (NRIM) project happened in Cotabato province (other 2 occurred in Bansalan, Davao del Sur).

First of which was the burning of 5 units of construction equipment (3 dump trucks, 1 payloader, 1 backhoe) owned by RDIJ Construction while quarrying at Marble River, Barangay San Roque in Kidapawan City last February 4. This compelled the contractor to request for time suspension pending construction activities particularly at Barangay Amas, Kidapawan City.

This was followed by bombing incidents on March 2 along the national highway at Brgy.

Balogo, Pigcawayan and damaged 1 unit concrete power paver, 1 brand new road roller, and 1 brand new wheel backhoe; and on March 15 at Nalapaan, Pikit damaging another backhoe – all owned by China International Waters and Electric Corporation.

EVEN months after the P2B Improvement of Digos-Cotabato Road Project started, road safety barriers and signage for commuters and vehicles is still a problem.

During the Provincial Project Monitoring Advisory Group (PPMAG) 8th regular meeting last March 24 at the Provincial Capitol Rooftop, the consolidated report from the Regional (RPMC-XII) and Provincial Project Monitoring Committees (PPMC) said that “early warning signs and bollards are not adequate and properly maintained”. It further stated that some existing road signs and bollards are not Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force led by Louie F. Ceniza and was turned over within the standard deto the Local Government Unit of Tagum City last May 7, 2012 for its Care for sign and size” and there is School Chairs Program. [PHOTO BY LEO TIMOGAN OF CIO TAGUM]

an “improper placement” of said devices in terms of distance RPMC and PPMC conducted a joint monitoring last February 2224 on the on-going DigosCotabato national road improvement.

The group also reported that in some areas, warning signs are no longer legible during night time; while in other sites, no safety devices were found “on sections where there are gaps between the completed PCCP (Portland Cement Concrete Pavement) and the existing (old) PCCP”.

Project engineers from DPWH National Office who were tasked to closely monitor the implementation of the said project also gave similar reports during the same

FTEAM, 13

COMMUNITY SENSE Race for Life slated on May 20 EDGEDAVAO

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HIS year’s Race for Life is set on May 20 at 4:30 a.m. in an out and back course at the Rizal Park in Davao City.

“This is in celebration of the International Thalassemia Day,” said Dollie Cunanan, RN of the organizing Dr. Gerardo Cunanan Mindanao Heart Foundation Inc. last Tuesday at the weekly SCOOP of the Royal Mandaya Hotel.

Aside from the DGCMHFI, the proceeds will also go to the Mindanao Thalassemia Foundation, Inc. and SCOOP Davao.

The race is presented by DMI Medical Supply and Davao Farms and sponsored by Bodivance, Jansenn, Dole-Stanfilco, Apo Drinking Water, Reisan Marketing, Mr. and Mrs. Hernani Pascua.

It is supported by the Department of Health and

VOL.5 ISSUE 48 • MAY 11, 2012

the Southern Philippines Medical Center while the Vantage Sports Promotion under Kenneth Sai will manage it.

There will be a 12K, 6K and 3K run which will blast off at 5:15 a.m., 5:25 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. respectively. It will be followed by a 3K walk which will later start at 5:35 a.m.

The 3K run will have two separate categories for competitive (14 years old and below) and non-competitive (15 years old and above).

The entry fees are P250 for 3K walk and run and P300 for the 6K and 12K. “We have limited slots only for the 12K. But all entry fees are inclusive for race singlet, race bib, certificate, snacks plus a chance to win raffle prizes,” said Amarylis Bisnar

of MTFI. The available singlet sizes are from XXL, XL, Large, Medium, Small and XS on a first come, first served basis only.

The first 200 finishers in the 12K will receive a finisher’s medal. Cash prizes, medals and gift packs are at stake to the top three finishers. The first placers both in the men and women’s open division in the 12K will earn P3,000 while the second and third will pocket P2,500 and P2,000, respectively.

In the 6K, the cash prizes are P2,000, P1,500 and P1,000 while in the 3K are P1,500, P1,000 and P500.

The registration is now going on at the RunClub (3 p.m. to 7 p.m.), Metrolifestyle Gym (whole day) and Adidas in Gaisano Mall (10 a.m. to 7 p.m.)

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LOCATION Matina, Davao City Matina(Diversion) Davao City Bunawan, Davao City Indangan, Davao City Bincungan, Tagum City

AREA (sq.m.) PRICE/sq.m.

17,940

P2,500

3,831

P1,500

41,408

P800

7,056

P1,200

27,411

P1,000

LOCATION RACE FOR LIFE. Dollie Cunanan (left) gives details of the Race for Life set on May 20 as co-organizer Amarylis Bisnar holds a poster during the weekly SCOOP of the Royal Mandaya Hotel last Tuesday. [Jimmy Javier]

AREA (sq.m.) PRICE/sq.m.

Villa Josefina Resort Village, Dumoy Toril, Davao City

Minimum of 240 sq.m.

P5,985

St. Joseph Homes, Sirawan, Toril,Davao City

Minimum of 150 sq.m.

P3,600

LOCATION Lot Area Flr. Area Blk. 4, Lot 10 Villa Josefina Resort Village 240 sq.m. 177.31 sq.m Dumoy, Toril, Davao City

For Inquiries: BAGS FOR PUPILS. Photo shows, the men in uniform make the pupils in high spirits by giving them bags essential to their learning endeavors. This was taken

during the bayanihan outreach program held at Sto. Niño, Bunawan. 5th CRG-CRSAFP

Please Call : PRYCE CORPORATION c/o SONNY MOLE Contact No. : 0922-­‐879-­‐0036 / (082) 224-­‐2686 Email ADD : sonitomole1223@yahoo.com

PRICE P4.8 M

12

NATION/WORLD

VOL.5 ISSUE 48 • MAY 11, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

WORLD TODAY

NATION BRIEFS Hacked

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A

HE Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) is trying to get its website back online after it was defaced Wednesday afternoon. According to Pagasa’s Twitter account, the website is under maintenance. It also referred users to an alternate website, kidlat.dost. gov.ph, which was however also offline.

According to reports, the defacement replaced the meteorological agency’s front page with a white back ground and the words “Hacked by Net user ! Just fun a fun !!” The page also mentioned “Team: X-f*ck!” and an e-mail address: 794399786@qq.com.

O

Summoned MBUDSMAN Con-

chita Carpio-Morales and four others have been ordered to appear before the Senate impeachment court and testify in the trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona on Monday.

Morales was also directed to bring with her the original and certified true copy of the complaints against Corona filed before the Office of the Ombudsman and the documents from which the complainants based their accusations that Corona had foreign currency accounts with an aggregate value of $10 million.

Land dispute UTHORITIES

A

are suspecting that a land dispute could be behind the killing of a radio broadcaster who was gunned down by two assailants in a remote village in Tarragona,Davao Oriental Tuesday afternoon. The victim was identified as Nestor Libaton, who worked for radio station dxHM run by the local Catholic archdiocese.

“Initial investigation showed that the case could be due to a land dispute since the victim was reported to have been involved in a land conflict with some relatives or friends,” said Chief Superintendent Jaime Morente, Southern Mindanao police director.

A

Ragnarok LMOST nine

years since it first broke into the Philippine online gaming scene, Ragnarok Online is getting a new patch called Port Malaya, which will be based on Philippine folklore.

The Korean massively online role-playing game is published in thePhilippines by Level Up! Online, which is licensed by Playweb Games, Inc. It is the oldest online game in existence in the Philippines.

Snatched HE wife of an Ameri-

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can businessman and her driver were kidnapped in Makati City on Tuesday and freed several hours later in Marikina City after payment of P6.1-million ransom and expensive imported watches.

Aiko Moore, 27, a student, and her driver, Benjalin Norido, 23, were dumped at a vacant lot in Barangay San Roque shortly after their captors got hold of the money.

Facelift

lmost 200 years after the French cavalry charge at Waterloo, bulldozers rolled into action Wednesday to spruce up the memorial site of the battle that humbled Napoleon.

Where cannon balls once thundered across fields, construction workers began breaking down walls in a project that will see the demolition of restaurants, stores and parking lots considered eyesores in the rural area south of Brussels.

FROM PRESIDENT TO MAYOR? Former Philippines President Joseph Estrada moves from San Juan City to his new home in Sta. Mesa, Manila, on 09 May 2012. [NPPA IMAGES]

Chinese travel agencies suspend trips to PHL

C

HINESE travel agencies have suspended tourist packages to the Philippines and promised refunds to customers who have booked trips, Chinese state media reported Thursday, as tensions over disputed islands in the South China Seaescalated.

Companies including Ctrip.com and Beijing International Travel Service have halted all tours to the Philippines and say

they will not accept bookings until the situation improves, Chinese media reported.

The Chinese embassy to the Philippines warned its citizens in Manila to stay off the streets during planned anti-China protests expected to take place on Friday.

The two countries are engaged in a standoff involving four Chinese maritime surveillance ships and eight Chinese fishing

boats confronting a Filipino coast guard ship and several fishing boats in the waters near what is known as the Scarborough Shoal in English and Huangyan island in Chinese.

China has territorial disputes with the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan across the South China Sea, each searching for gas and oil while building up their navies and mili-

tary alliances.

The Philippines and the United States staged war games on Wednesday, which China said would raise the risk of confrontation. Chinese vice foreign minister Cui Tiankai said China was committed to dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the dispute.

The Philippines foreign ministry said last week the United States will triple military aid to the Philippines in 2012.

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B

Reprisal

LIND Chinese activist Chen Guangcheng and a family lawyer have accused local officials of detaining two of his relatives and hounding and harassing others in revenge for his recent escape from house arrest and for sparking an international furore.

Chen, whose escape last month caused embarrassment for China and led to a diplomatic crisis in U.S.-Sino relations, said a sister-in-law and nephew had both been detained, though the lawyer added that Chen’s sister-in-law had since been released.

World disease fund gets added $1.6 B shot in arm R

Skipping

USSIA’S President Vladimir Putin will skip the G8 summit and ice breaker talks with President Barack Obama next week, the White House said, raising new questions about MoscowWashington ties.

Putin had been expected at the summit at Camp David and to hold talks with the US leader in a first test of whether the “reset” policy between the Kremlin and the White House will survive his return to the presidency.

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HE Global Fund, a leading financier in the struggle against AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, expects to have an additional $1.6 billion to fund projects in 20122014, its new chief said on Wednesday, a turnaround from a funding freeze last year.

“It’s a positive outlook where we did not have a positive outlook before,” the Fund’s General Manager Gabriel Jaramillo told Reuters.

The money includes funds from new donors, from traditional donors who are advancing their payments or increasing contributions and from some donors, such as China, that have offered to support projects in their own country to free up cash for more pressing needs elsewhere, Jaramillo said.

“It’s the traditional donors that have made the difference. It is about re-

Swap

HE parents of Bowe Bergdahl, the first American soldier captured in Afghanistan since the US-led war began in 2001, are urging the US government to swap him for Afghan prisoners held in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, US media reported.

“Everybody is frustrated with how slowly the process has evolved,” Bob Bergdahl, the soldier’s father, told the Idaho Mountain Express.

AWARENESS CAMPAIGN. A volunteer from the AIDS control society takes part in a campaign for AIDS awareness program in Chandigarh October 28, 2007. [REUTERS]

cuperating trust and them being confident that they can satisfy their taxpayers that we are taking care with their money in these difficult times as well as we can.”

Last November a lack

of donor funds prompted the Global Fund to scrap new grants until 2014, triggering a crisis for agencies working to tackle AIDS around the world.

Donor governments were strapped for cash af-

ter the financial crisis, but some also balked at reports that funds were being misused in four countries that received grants from the Global Fund and temporarily suspended their contributions.

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Explosions

WO powerful blasts in quick succession rocked the Syrian capital at morning rush hour Thursday, killing and wounding dozens of people, state television said, blaming the attacks on “terrorists.”

“Two explosions caused by terrorists took place on the freeway in the south of Damascus,” the television said, adding that the blasts occurred “as people were heading to work and children to school.”

EDGEDAVAO

Drug...

Relocation...

FFROM 1

FFROM 1

the region during the early months of the year.

“Tumaas ang presence ng drugs as per our monitoring. Tumaas ang activities related to drugs,” he said.

Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte said the same thing in previous months, adding that the city is among the areas in the country where drug is trafficked due to the high population and economic activity.

“We increased our operations. Even without advisory we would have done the same. So we had more operations which led to a higher apprehension rate compared to last year,” Rosales said.

He also noted the higher frequency in number of reports from civilians.

“More than the previous years we noticed higher cooperation from civilians. More and more are calling us or texting us to report drug activities. We can say that Dabawenyos are really against drugs,” he said.

“Another point of interest is we also have

Can...

a Facebook page and the reports we get from there is actually very high,” he added.

The PDEA in charge then advised that concerned citizens report activities related to drugs.

“Ang droga salot talaga yan eh. Ayaw niyong maging magulo ang mga komunidad ninyo. Drug addicts or pushers only cause disruption sa maayos na pamumuhay ng mga tao who chose to live according to law,” he said.

Rosales said PDEA 11 can be reached through mobile, telephone, and through the internet.

For Davao City, reports may be forwarded to 0939-443-3405; 0915-896-2599; and 0933-148-1387 and through landline (082) 222-3045.

Assigned numbers for provinces are: mobile no. 0918-669-8470 for Davao del Sur; 0917720-0485 for Davao del Norte; and 0908-2875092 for Davao Oriental.

PDEA 11 may also be reached through www. facebook.com/PDEAXI.

own downside.

“We are thinking of relocating the fish cages to the south side, along the coast from Sirawan to Binugao.

The problem is that during the monsoon months, we were told, the waters get rough, naga-balod ug kusog,” Umaguin said in during I-speak forum at the city hall.

The northern coast from Panacan to Bunawan is also being considered, according to Umaguin.

“The problem, however, is that flooding occurs there and for two weeks after that the water turns really brown and murky,” he said.

“When that happens the fishes won’t be able to breathe since there’s less oxygenization occurring,” he added.

The fish cages could also continue their stay along Punta Dumalag but they should move

fuel plant, Cynar, scientists are using waste plastic to make a synthetic fuel in a process known as plastic pyrolysis.

Plastic waste that would otherwise have ended up in landfill, is cleaned, dried and then heated to more than 300C (570F) in the absence of air.

The resulting molten liquid is turned into a gas which is then fractioned off to produce a diesellike fuel.

“We do believe this is a terrific solution to a massive issue of landfill diversion as well as fossil fuel alternative,” says Cynar’s chief executive, Michael Murray.

Pyrolysis has the potential to be set up at waste disposal sites across Europe, with the fuel produced being used to power the waste disposal trucks and machinery.

But it costs money to establish the plants and burn the plastic, and this is only partly recovered by the cost of the fuel generated.

Much of the solution lies in more recycling says Murray, pointing out that only 50% of the 25m tonnes of plastic waste the EU produces every year is recycled.

Recycling and preven-

tion The challenge is to prevent it reaching landfill in the first place.

Our plastic lifestyle is at the heart of the problem according to Richard Thompson, professor of marine biology at the University of Plymouth.

Varying colours of plastic and different components such as sports caps which are made of different plastic types, make them harder to recycle compared to clear and strong plastic.

Despite campaigns to improve recycling, many plastics - such as food packaging packaging - are still not recyclable.

“The diversity of different polymers and different forms of packaging we use... is compromising the recyclability of the product,” Professor Thompson explains.

“The best way to solve this problem is to close the loop, to turn a bottle back into a bottle,” he says.

Eighty percent of the plastic in our seas has come from the land where it has either been flushed through drains or blown off landfill sites.

Until there is an effective alternative to dumping, the floating plastic in our oceans will continue to accumulate.[BBC]

FFROM 10 enzymes work in the natural environment and how they might work in controlled environments where plastic would be the prominent carbon source.

But the researchers emphasise that even if they can narrow down the microbes and encourage their proliferation in an area like the plastic waste patch just found in the South Atlantic, this would be a very slow process.

“It’s a bit like imagining how long it would take us to eat something the size of Canary Wharf,” says the university’s Dr Mark Osborn.

“If you have hundreds of thousands or millions of organisms colonising one piece of plastic then you can imagine the potential for scale up in terms of the rates of potential degradation.”

Biological intervention to restore the ocean environment, otherwise known as bioremediation, is a relatively new field and would require careful assessment of any potential consequences.

And most current work is based on stopping plastic getting into the oceans in the first place.

‘Diesel’ plastic In Ireland at a plastic

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VOL.5 ISSUE 48 • MAY 11, 2012

further out to sea.

This move, CAO understands, would cause higher operational cost.

“Pwede naman na the fish cages in Dumalag would continue remaining there but they have to move further out to sea. It is a possibility that moving them farther from land would lessen the presence of E. coli in the waters of the fish pens. But of course their operating cost will rise, perhaps not dramatically, but there would be a significant change,” Umaguin said.

“Having them farther from land would mean the caretakers of the fish pens or yung mga may-ari would have to travel by boat

Power...

towards the fish pens.

This would give their operational cost an additional expense on fuel and boat use,” he added.

Umaguin said ‘options are being carefully considered before a decision is made before August.’

Meanwhile, the CAO is also awaiting the results of the recent water sampling conducted April 30 by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Davao region.

This marks the third time the BFAR had conducted water sampling in the fish pens of Punta Dumalag the way they did in 2010 and 2011.

“Sa ngayon we are waiting the results of

the recent study. Tinitingnan kung meron pa ring presence ng E. coli ang water,” he said.

The P300 million worth fish cultivation industry in Punta Dumalag was ordered closed by Mayor Sara Duterte in March.

After the last harvest this August, the 200 fish cages operated by 43 investors shall no longer cultivate fish fingerlings.

The decision for its closure was reached after several studies were made sampling the water and Milkfish produce cultivated in the area and it was discovered that the water has a high content of coliform and other pathogens.

effects on the environment as indicated in the code.

Magnaye cited other proposed amendments in the investment incentive code, saying there will be changes in the composition of the board.

For one, instead of having the regional director of the Department of Trade and Industry as member, the city director will be part of the board as it is city-based.

He added that the Mindanao Business Council will be removed from the board since there is already the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. to represent the business sector.

However, Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, being the

chair of the board would like to keep the former members as part of an advisory committee of the board to anchor the city’s direction of investments, with Mindanao priority as coordinated between the Mindanao Business Council and Mindanao Development Authority.

Also included in the new provisions is the deadline for a project to apply for incentives after its operations have already started.

“We defined how long they could still qualify for incentives after they start operations. Some investors apply after one or two years of operations, so that’s also revenue loss for the government,” he said. [LORIE A. CASCARO]

The governor further expressed displeasure knowing that the said problem has been posing hazards to motorists and the fact that it was discussed in PPMAG’s earlier meetings and yet “it seems nothing has changed”.

As she explained worst scenarios or untoward incidents that may possibly happen if some victims of project-relatedaccidents or their families “can no longer be appeased”, Taliño-Mendoza appealed to contractors to use the money intended for road signage and other necessary safety devices and most of all follow quality standards to ensure public safety and possibly lessen the inconvenience for commuters.

The PPMAG had been holding regular meeting to monitor and address issues and concerns in the implementation of the Digos-Cotabato road project. Chaired by Governor Taliño-Mendoza, PPMAG is composed of NGOs, National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), MinDA, Local Chief Executives, contactors, DENR, SP Committee on Public Works and Highways, Provincial Treasurer’s Office, and DPWH 1st and 2nd District Engineers and Project Engineers. Aside from status updates of the project, security updates were also given every meeting by the PNP and AFP. The Provincial Planning and Development Office serves as the PPMAG Secretariat.

FFROM 2

such as tourism, manufacturing, and real estate.

“We also included green technology as a cross-cutting sector,” he said.

Under the Davao City Investment Incentive Code, incentives will be provided for new, expansion, and diversification projects in the preferred or priority investment areas.

Originally, the priority areas include agribusiness, tourism, transshipment, miscellaneous light manufacturing, and property development.

Inclusion of investment areas should generate high a level of employment; a high degree of value-added; create linkages with local industries; and not have deleterious

Team...

FFROM 10

forum.

In disgust, Cotabato Governor Emmylou “Lala” J. Talino-Mendoza told DPWH to inform the Central Office about said observations so they may “blacklist hardheaded contractors” if necessary.

“Definitely, they (contractors) will be engaging in other provinces and will showcase this project as their accomplishment.

Something must say about their non-compliance such as not putting up the necessary safety devices, etc.” This will also serve as guide or reference for the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), for us, the Regional Development Council (RDC), and the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDa), she added.

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SPORTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 48 • MAY 11, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

79 teams in Summerfest Football Festival A

huge field of 79 teams will be seeing action in this weekend’s Davao Summerfest Football Festival at the Davao Crocodile Park football complex.

At the close of registration on Wednesday, Match Commissioner Ching delos Reyes said there were already 79 teams including visiting squads from Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Bukidnon, Cotabato City, Digos City and Sultan Kudarat.

14 teams will be slugging it out in the premier men’s open division which offers a cash pot of P15,000, P10,000 and P5,000 to the top 3 squads courtesy of the City Government of Davao under the leadership of Mayor Sara Duterte and Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

A total of P284,000 has been earmarked for the tournament serving as one of the highlights of the Davao Summerfest. The tournament,

sanctioned by the Davao Football Federation, is organized by the Duaw Festival Foundation as one of the core events of the Davao Summer Games— the competition phase of this year’s Summerfest.

“We are happy with the turnout of the football festival. This is already beyond what we expected which was something like 40 to 50 teams. The presence of the teams from Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Cotabato, Bukidnon and the rest of the visiting clubs is also a good sign that we are progressing in our thrust to position the city as a sports tourism destination,” said Gene Bangayan, chairperson of Duaw Davao Festival Foundation.

Entered in the men’s open are multi-titled Hooligans of Davao City, Intangibles FC of Lupon, CF Garelli-A, CF Garelli-B, PTA Boys, Davao Crocodile FC, Instatech Seniors, KMMPC, Belisario Futbol,

SUMMERFEST CAMP. Kids limber up during the football camp of the Davao Summerfest 2012 at the Davao Crocodile Park.

Cotabato City, FC Super Coffee, M7 United, Ebocci FC, and Fil-Chi United.

In the women’s open, confirmed teams were Bernaldez Angels, DDS and Solido FC. The rest of the field are composed of the following: Players 6—Blue Monkeys, Davao Crocodile FC, ADDU FC; Players 7— Sakya FC, Davao Crocodile FC-A, Davao Crocodile FCB, Mintal United; Players 8—ADDU FC, Davao Hynas Soccer Team, Mintal United, Black Knights, Davao Crocodile FC; Players 9—Sakya FC, ADDU FC, Mintal United, Black Knights, Davao Crocodile FC; Players 10—Black Knights A, Black Knights B, Davao Crocodile FC1, Davao Crocodile FC-2; Boys 11—Mintal United, Black Knights-A, Black Knights-B, Davao Crocodile FC, MAPFRE FC, Don Bosco-Cebu, Intatech Ju-

niors; Boys 12—Black Knights, Davao Crocodile FC, MAPFRE FC, Team Garbo Davao del Sur, Don Bosco-Cebu, Mintal United; Boys 13—Sakya FC, Mintal United, Black Knights, Davao Crocodile FC; Boys 14—Black Knights, LRCA Football Team, Solido FC, Team Garbo Davao del Sur, OLLES FC; Girls 13—Team Garbo Davao del Sur, Ateneo, Instatech Dragonites United; Girls 14— Team Garbo Davao del Sur, ADDU, Instatech Dragonites United; Girls 16— Solido FC, Malaybalay FC, Medvil FC; Boys 16—Holy Child Paladines, RVA, Black Knights-A, Black KnightsB, Black Knights-C, Solido FC, Malaybalay; Boys 18— Dabaw United, PN Roa FC Tabudogs, Panabo.

The tournament officially begins this Saturday with the traditional ceremonial kicks and parade of teams.

LITTLE AZKAL. Davao’s Jed Diamante in action during the Philippines Under-14 tour of Italy. Diamante played tem captain for the Little Azkals. petitor for the Philippines Wednesday. in the long jump event The PSC, through at the Olympic Games in Chairman Ricardo Garcia, 1984 and 1996. At one has endorsed the conferpoint, she also dominated ence and the entire Davao RACK legend Elma Center.

Muros will banner Muros is the Philip- the sprints winning both Summerfest activities.

Also lecturing for a battery of speak- pines’ Long Jump Queen the 100 and 200 meter ers in the forthcoming and Iron Lady. Now re- dash in the 1993 South- sports medicine, sports science and doping is Davao Sports Conference tired, the Romblon native east Asian Games.

Philippine Sports Dr. Alejandro Pineda of dubbed as SWEAT (Sports married to a Gen. Santos executive the Philippine Center Wellness, Exercise, Ac- City coach won a total Commission climatization and Train- of 15 gold medals in the director Atty. Guillermo for Sports Medicine, and Iroy, Jr. confirmed the for sports psychology, ing) on May 14-16 at the Southeast Asian Games.

Davao City Recreation She was also a com- availability of Muros on Roxanne Narciso also of PCSM. The sport of rugby will also be introduced for the first time here with Philippine Volcanoes coach Expo Mejia speaking on Rugby 101. A demonstration and training will be held at the Davao Crocodile Park with some members of the Volcanoes.

The three-day conference is open free to sports administrators, coaches, PE instructors, athletes, sports clubs and organizations, and LGU officials.

For registration, interested participants may contact the City Sports Track Legend Elma Muros, shown here speaking before a group of runners, will be one of the speakers in the forthcoming Davao Development Office or the Sports Conference.

City Information Office.

Track legend Muros in Davao Sports Conference

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INdulge!

VOL.5 ISSUE 48 • MAY 11, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

ARTS & CULTURE

Kublai P. Millan:

Davao’s famous sculpture artist

by Jims Vincent T. Capuno

A first-time tourist came out from the Davao International Airport. He was ready to see for himself what his friends have said about the country’s largest city. As he was about to ride the taxi, he noticed a giant sculpture of a quarter-opened durian fruit with people inside instead of seeds. “This is one of the one of the most artistic ways to welcome tourists and locals alike into Davao,” he said.

The tourist was told later on that the people inside the impressive durian sculpture are actually the lumads (indigenous people), Muslims and settlers – the three groups who make up the Davao population.

Anyway, the astounding sculpture is only one among the many jaw-dropping and awe-inspiring bigger than life sculptures of Davao’s most famous artist, Kublai Millan. Visitors will definitely see more of his works while strolling around Davao.

Those who visit the Sangguniang Panglungsod building might be surprised to know that the captivating freedom statue is also his creation. The two heads of Philippine Eagle at the newly-renovated stage of Rizal Park are also done by Kublai.

But most people, especially the children, know him as the man who did all the larger-than-life sculptures scattered all over the People’s Park.

A few years back, Kublai made headlines around the world when his creations were featured at the Vatican Nativity scene at Saint Peter Square in Rome, Italy.

His nine figures of Filipino family pulling a net full of fish was a reminiscent of the apostles in the lakeshore of Galilee who were called by Jesus to become fishers of men.

In a statement, the Vatican note said that the combination of the traditional nativity figures in Rome with the Filipino figures brought an “eccentric and surprising result with important symbolic meaning: the universality of the church.”

Just recently, we had an opportunity of meeting one of the most prolific contemporary artists in the country when we joined the team of the award-winning Sports Unlimited when they visited Kublai’s on-going project in barangay Kapatagan of Digos City in Davao del Sur. “This grand project is being funded by an individual who is as crazy as me when it comes to arts,” he said.

Despite the various regional and national awards

and recognitions he has received, Kublai is a very much low-key person. He welcomed us with great smile and extended his hand for a greeting. He made us felt at ease before he personally toured us around.

His work arts are scattered all over the place. Each collection of sculptures has a meaning. The first one is called YOU. Here, a group of people (a Christian, a Muslim, and a tribal, among others) forms a round circle while holding hands. A space is provided for a visitor to join the group.

The next collection has the word I as the theme. This is one of the most intriguing as it depicts a man plowing the field with the carabao in the middle. GIVE has statues of men and women as if asking from someone up there to answer their petitions.

GOD has a sculpture of a hand while LOVE portrays a man and woman playing their music together. BEAUTY is a collection of pieces that center on the beauty of life. At the very end is EARTH showing people doing something, including a statue of a pregnant woman.

But the center piece of all these collections is the Agong House, which is located at the upper portion of all the other pieces. The house is a sight to behold. His artworks do not just speak for themselves. They scream of passion. They captivate the senses. They defy the odds.

“He is such a genius when it comes to his craft,” television host Marc Nelson commented.

Kublai is not actually from Davao. He was born Rey Mujahid Ponce Millan on July 8, 1974 in Cotabato City. He finished schooling at the University of the Philippines with a degree of Fine Arts. He came back to Mindanao and dedicated his life sculpting the culture from which, he grew up – as a human being and as a soul.

Aside from those in Davao, he has also done sculptures in other parts of Mindanao, including the most recent banana collection displayed in Panabo City, Davao del Norte. In Tagum City, he has created

the risen Christ figure at the Christ the King Church. He also made kampilan, a sword sculpture of towering height (50 feet) at Sultan Kudarat in Maguindanao.

An arc that stands at the gate of Filipino boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao’s cock farm in the village of Banahaw in Malungon town in Sarangani province is also done by Kublai. A sculpture of men and their fighting roosters serve as the centerpiece in the cock farm.

If you have time, visit the Ponce Suits at Doña Vicenta Village and be marveled at thousands of his artworks displayed in and out of the family-run hotel. If it were not for its commercial purpose, Ponce Suites could have been placed in The Guinness Book of World Records as the most decorated establishment in the world – with artworks from a single artist.

Tita Lacambra-Ayala considers Kublai as an “elfin sculptor.” She sees his art works as “energetic sculptures.” In her Road Map series, the Davao-based writer observes: “Looking at some of them, one is apt to wonder whether these are not spirits of all the huge ancient fallen trees that have disappeared into the rivers of commerce, recaptured and come to life again in a different form, to oversee the natural landscape and remind us of the lost presences that had wandered through the dead rivers and forests: the diwatas, the babaylans, the ninunos, the spirits of land, sea and air that have been banished by a new wave of culture and religion in the history and

mythology of Mindanao, embraced into a resurgence of memory and identity.”

Although I didn’t have the time to talk with him thoroughly, Kublai is one of the most celebrated artists in Mindanao history.

Commented one author: “(Kublai) has done thou-

sands of artworks in almost every type of medium available. From photography, to painting, to wire-framed paper sculptures, and to every imaginable and unimaginable works of art, even to turning junk and garbage into art objects that command appreciation instead

of being dumped as most everybody would, this one particular artist leaves no stone unturned as he sees art in everything. The everyday things that are usually taken for granted, Kublai sees art in them. And this is what sets him apart from the rest.”

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VOL.5 ISSUE 48 • MAY 11, 2012

STYLE ENTERTAINMENT

Lessons in Mommy-Chic F O R many moms, keeping stylish and managing motherhood almost seems impossible at times. Especially when faced with screaming toddlers, jampacked schedules and lack of sleep, taking the dumpy road becomes the more viable option. Being rushed and harried might get us through the day but keeping up the creases might just stain our self-esteem and spirit in the process. We all know that we as mothers give our best when we feel our best inside and out. It will certainly make us feel prouder to look good while we carry out the most important role of our lives.

To give all moms out there some inspiration, I am training the spotlight this week on three young women who all give motherhood a good,

chic name.

MARGA NOGRALES, mother to Mateo, 4, Massimo, 2, and Nikka, 7 months Moms owe it to their kids and to themselves to look good because...

We will forever be the best example to our children. You look good - you feel good. Comfort over fashion always.

What fashion trick has gone a long way for you since you became a mom?

I believe moms need quite a few.

Mine are Spanx under skirts, wedges, ballet flats, flipflops, big bags for their toys, my iPhone for their photos and videos and the iPad. Name your top three mommy-

chic fashion staples.

Colored pants, tank tops and cardigans Does your love for dressing up extend to your kids?

Big YES. ... Most especially to my baby girl. My 4-year old now chooses his clothes but he always asks me, “Mama, is this okay what I’m wearing?” before we leave. And if I tell him to change, he changes right away. My 1-year old generally doesn’t care but when he gets new clothes he asks us to put it on. My baby girl is my baby doll. I look forward to dressing her up everyday.

STEPHANIE ONG, mother to Trent, 4 and Sasha, 2 Moms owe it to themselves and their children to look good because… I always tell my children not to be quick to judge people based on appearances but I do believe that confidence, passion and respect can initially be conveyed (to our children and the world) by the way we physically present ourselves.

What fashion trick has gone a long way for you since you became a mom?

Lipstick - in a gamut of vivid shades. It is the easiest and quickest way to add a little panache especially if you’ve been out all day running mommy errands and have an event to attend that evening. I usually have 3 tubes in my purse - MAC’s Russian Red helps me up the glam factor, NARS’ Schiap is a bright shade of fuschia for a dose of sassiness, and Topshop’s Infrared is an intense redorange that injects a little playfulness to my whole look.

Name your top three mommychic fashion staples.

1. My Balenciaga City - It has been my loyal companion for years. It is roomy enough to accommodate all my kids’ essentials with enough space to hold my own. It is also versatile enough to take from day to night.

2. Comfortable flats or thongs When it’s date night with hubby, I like to slip into my stilettos but for everyday, my buttery soft flats and thongs are my foot warriors.

3. Hand sanitizers and a pack of Kleenex tissue – Aside from lipstick which is omnipresent in my bags, it’s always nice to have these handy especially with children around. Cleanliness is always chic.

Name a few stylish moms who you look up to.

There are so many women out there with style and substance. Victoria Beckham, Kelly Wearstler, Hindy Weber-Tantoco, Daphne OseñaPaez, and my mother, to name a few.

MICHELLE LOPEZ, mother to Angela, 4 and Annika, 6 months Moms owe it to themselves and their children to look good because… it makes us feel good and it is our responsibility to give them the best, including the best of ourselves.

What fashion trick has gone a long way for you since you became a mom?

I’m not sure though if hairstyle should be considered a fashion trick.

But for me, hair can make every girl look instantly put-together regardless of her outfit. Everyday, I wear my hair differently but hair elastics for ponytails are always in my bag in case my little Annika wants me to carry her.

Name your top three mommychic fashion staples.

Tagging along my two kids wherever I go means wearing the most comfortable attire. My three fashion staples include a white top, greatfitting jeans and a pair of ballet flats or sandals.

Does your love for dressing up extend to your kids?

Yes! Because it’s fun, we get to experiment and its also a way to bond with my girls. It makes me feel good and proud when people appreciate my girls’ outfits.

Name a few stylish moms who you look up to.

Lucy Torres-Gomez and Kate Hudson.

VOL.5 ISSUE 48 • MAY 11, 2012

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ENTERTAINMENT

Britney signs up with The X Factor

BRITNEY Spears is official.

After months of eightfigure negotiations, the pop star has finally signed her contract to join Simon Cowell and L.A. Reid as a judge on The X Factor.

Spears finally inked her deal this week, E! News has exclusively confirmed.

As we previously reported, Spears will get $15 million for one season’s worth of work. She had agreed in principle to the deal weeks ago and had spent the last several days working out the fine print.

“The contract is signed,” reveals source close to the star. “There’s been a lot of back and forth over the past few weeks as they negotiated the small details, but she’s on. It’s all completed and Britney is beyond excited.”

Cowell blew up the show’s cast at the end of its inaugural season, firing judges Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger and host Steve Jones. Since then, he’s been searching for the perfect panel in hopes of boosting the show’s second-season ratings.

“She’s ready for this,” the insider continues. “She

can’t wait to sit down next to Simon at the judges’ table and give this everything she’s got. She is excited about showing the world that she can do this, and do this well. This is the perfect next stage in her career. Both Britney and Simon are very excited to work together.”

This will be Britney’s first network TV project since her short-lived Britney & Kevin: Chaotic real-

ity series with ex-husband Kevin Federline.

Now we’re just waiting for Cowell and crew to finalize the fourth judge (names floated in recent days include Spears’ fellow former Disney princesses Miley Cyrus and Demi Lovato, but neither has been confirmed) and name a new host—or, possibly, hosts. That announcement is expected by the time Fox announces its fall

Model DJ headlines Heat Stroke party at DC Fahrenheit

POSHBOX Events Solution and DC Fahrenheit brings you, Heat Stroke: DJ Callum live in Davao. A post- summer party happening at DC Fahrenheit, Sta. Ana St. Davao City on May 19, 2012! Mark those calendars as we bring Aussie Model DJ Vinimal!

Callum David aka DJ Vinimal is an Australian DJ currently based in Manila who’s style is defined by big bass lines, dream inducing breakdowns and drops that bring you back to earth. He is Manila’s hottest property and the new it guy.

For ticket inquiries, VIP Tables and reservations; contact: 09332035643 / 09175090990 and look for AJ or Kaye.

schedule at the upfronts on Monday. (E! Online)

Are there more sexual accusations coming against John Travolta?

SOMETHING tells us all the John Travolta massage drama isn’t going away anytime soon.

In the wake of a second unidentified masseur filing a sexual battery claim against the actor, the lawyer for both plaintiffs reveals there could very well be more complaints on the way.

“I’ve been getting a lot of phone calls from a lot of men in the massage industry who have the same allegations, the same stories,” attorney Okorie Okorocha told Splash News Online in a video obtained by TMZ. “They come up with facts that weren’t in the complaint, but my other clients have mentioned.”

Okorocha added that while he has only filed on behalf of the two plaintiffs, he has every intention of including more individuals in the lawsuit.

“I’ve only had the resources to vet the two

John Does that I have filed so far,” he said. “But there’s a lot more coming out of the woodwork.”

Meanwhile, possible new evidence has emerged that may back the claim made by Travolta’s lawyer, Marty Singer, that his client wasn’t even on the West Coast on Jan. 16, the date John Doe No. 1 insists an incident occurred.

TMZ has posted a receipt dated Jan. 16 from Mr. Chow, a popular Chinese eatery in New York, that is said to be from the movie star’s meal there as well as an image of Travolta standing in the rain that was supposedly taken in the Big Apple on the same day.

However, when E! News asked Okorocha about the supposed evidence, he said, “The receipt is from midnight and client was assaulted at 10 a.m. Easy to see happening.”

Yep. Like we said. Not going away anytime soon.

(E! Online)

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EVENTS

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Catch me if you can!

SM Supermalls group brand manager for Visayas & Mindanao Russel Alaba explains the mechanics of SM Supermalls’ iButterfly promo.

SOMEsay not everything is what they seem and at SM City D a v a o’s launch of their iButterfly promo, augmented reality technology gave mall goers with smartphones an additional perk when shopping at SM. What is an iButterfly and all that augmented reality mumbo jumbo you may ask? To make it easy to understand, iButterflies are basically coupons that flutter about in virtual space which can be seen and caught using the iButterfly program.

The iButterfly app can be download for free from the App Store or Google Play onto your iOS or Android devices.

The iButterflies contain freebies, prizes and discounts from many participating stores including BDO, Starbucks, McDon-

CAUGHT a 20 percent discount iButterfy.

ald’s, Mang Inasal, David’s Salon, and SM Department Store, can then be redeemed from May 5 to July 5.

SM City Davao’s iButterfly promo is definitely a fun and engaging program that adds another level of fun to the SM shopping experience. I suggest a visit to SM to experience some virtual fun for yourself and at the same time catch great treats. As for me, I am running to the SM Department store to redeem my 20% discount iButterfly.

Add me up on Twitter @kennethkingong to get updated on more travel, foodie, urban finds, and whatever craziness that comes into my mind.

LOOKING for iButterflies at The Annex through my smartphone.

OFF redeem my iButterfly coupons, this butterfly will not be caught.

COSPLAYERS dressed in various characters with wings showing off the iButterflies they caught during the launch event.

MISS M. and her butterfly of choice.

15 th P1M cash, tour, cars at stake in 7 Pomelo Tee

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cash bonanza of P1 Million, a Carribean cruise tour and a brand new SUV are just among the few good reasons that make the 7th Pomelo Tee very hard to pass up.

Tournament director

SPORTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 48 • MAY 11, 2012

Larry Miculob bared that a Carribean cruise courtesy of Royal Carribean International and Baron Travel plus P1 Million cash will go to the winner of a rare ace in the fourday golfest—the signature tournament of Ran-

cho Palos Verdes.

Another hole-in-one prize is a brand new Subaru Forester SUV vehicle.

All that are at stake in all par 3 holes on 6, 11 and 17.

“It’s a chance of a

lifetime. Who knows what luck could bring?” said Miculob during the SCOOP Forum at the Royal Mandaya Hotel.

The tournament is a 36-hole event using the Modified Stableford System of scoring on a two-

man team. The best scores over 36 holes will decide the winner. Individual best scores will also receive prizes. Max handicap is set at 27 and shotgun tee off is set at 6 am and 11:30 am.

At stake are titles in Team Gross (top 4), Team

net (top 4) and individual classes Gross and Net for Class A (0-9), B (10-15), C (16-21) and D (22-27), and Ladies gross and net.

Registration fee is P3,500. Deadline for registration is on May 13. (Neil Bravo)

Last laugh Laptop coaching angers Lakers

T

HE Los Angeles Lakers were mad at a lot of things following Tuesday night’s Game 5 loss to the Denver Nuggets — dropping a closeout game on their home floor, giving new life to an opponent angered by a certain center’s “arrogance,” watching JaVale McGee torch their frontcourt and then chuck away his game ball like it ain’t no thang, and having to go home and pack for another trip to Denver.

One thing that angered the Lakers probably flew under the radar for the fans in the stands and the viewers at home, though — the fact that one Nuggets assistant reportedly made like “Get ‘Em, Girl”-era Cam’ron during a critical late-game stoppage in play.

From Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times: The Lakers were privately seething after seeing the Nuggets use a laptop computer in their huddle during a 20-second timeout with 19.9 seconds left to play.

The computer apparently belonged to an assistant coach sitting behind the bench with it. NBA rules forbid the use of such devices in the huddle, which won’t change the final score but can carry a hefty fine of up to $250,000.

At that stage in the game, Denver was clinging to a 99-96 lead and in the midst of weathering a furious Laker comeback fueled by a stretch of hot shooting by L.A. star Kobe Bryant. Bryant had just missed a potential game-tying 3-pointer, which was rebounded by McGee, who was then fouled, triggering an out-of-bounds play on the near sideline. That’s when Denver took the timeout in question.

“It is permissible to use a laptop or tablet (i.e., iPad) for the purposes of accessing, using or presenting statistical and scouting information to players and coaches during games,” Frank told BDL in an email Wednesday. “This can include video or photographs of prior games.”

Where the “hefty fine of up to $250,000” would come into play here remains unclear.

Karl said that, contrary to the report in the Times, Denver did not use a laptop on Tuesday night, but he did confirm to the Post’s Dempsey that they keep one handy. What’s on it could pay huge dividends in a situation like the one that reportedly angered the Lakers.

End of the road for New York

M

IAMI (AP) --The final horn sounded, and LeBron James wrapped his arms around Carmelo Anthony in a warm embrace.

Their head-to-head scoring matchup in this series was even, 139 points apiece.

Just about everything else tipped Miami’s way - so the Heat are moving on and the New York Knicks are going home.

James had 29 points, eight rebounds and seven assists, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade both scored 19 points and the Heat ousted the shorthanded Knicks 106-94 in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference first-round series Wednesday night.

The Heat won the series 4-1, and will meet Indiana in the East semifinals starting Sunday in Miami. ‘’We do not take this for granted,’’ Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. ‘’This was a tough series. We feel very good about moving on and it’ll only get tougher from here.’’

For the Heat, it was only the first step. The reigning East champions have one goal - getting back to the finals and winning it all - and that was likely why even beating the franchise’s longtime rival prompted, at most, a subdued celebration. ‘’We will savor this win tonight,’’ James said. ‘’And then we get to work tomorrow and get ready for Indiana.’’

Anthony scored 35 points for the Knicks, including a spinning jumper over James at the end of the third quarter that pulled New York within 81-67. It was far from being enough to stave off an all-too-familiar playoff result for Anthony, part of that 2003 draft class that also yielded James, Bosh and Wade.

Anthony has played 54 postseason games, being part of wins only 17 times. A misleading stat for certain - it’s hardly all on him - and no shortage of people in the Heat organization interrupted their celebrating of a series-clincher to tip their caps Anthony’s way afterward. ‘’We fought, under the circumstances,’’ Anthony said. ‘’I’m not one to make any excuses for anything. ... But Miami, they’re a tough defensive team. They stick to what their schemes are.’’

James shot 48 percent from the field in the series, Anthony shot 42 percent. James averaged 6.2 rebounds and 5.6 assists, Anthony avLebron James (left) of the Miami Heat smiles as he was introduced before Game 5 while Amare Stoueraged 8.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists. demire (right) of the New York Knicks sat still. Below, Carmelo Anthony of New York slams the ball in the ‘’It was fun, man,’’ James said. ‘’He’s first half. one of the most competitive players I’ve ever played against in a playoff series.’’

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SPORTS

Blues T

HE world’s best tennis players are considering a dramatic boycott after reacting furiously to the introduction of a revolutionary bright blue surface intended to boost interest in clay court tournaments. The world’s No.1- and 2–ranked men, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, have led the criticism of the new courts, which will debut at this week’s Mutua Madrid Open. Big-serving Ivo Karlovic likened them to “something a Smurf would play on.”

Former Tour player Mark Petchey, now commentating for Britain’s Sky Sports, said several stars would pull out of next year’s event unless the organizers switch back to red clay.

“I know the surface is getting the tournament talked about,” Petchey told the Daily Telegraph. “The top men … have not come on board. If [tournament director] Ion Tiriac carries

Ana Ivanovic of Serbia in action against Victoria Azarenka of Belarus during the Mutua Madrilena Madrid Open tennis tournament at the Caja Magica on Thursday in Madrid, Spain. Below, Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark. on down this path next Romanian billionaire and year, he can expect some professional player durhigh-profile absentees.” ing the 1970s, and it was The blue base was the approved by ATP World master plan of Tiriac, a Tour officials without

VOL.5 ISSUE 48 • MAY 11, 2012

EDGEDAVAO

Tennis stars detest new blue clay courts

Ana Ivanovic of Serbia in action against Victoria Azarenka of Belarus during the Mutua Madrilena Madrid Open tennis tournament at the Caja Magica on Thursday in Madrid, Spain. Below, Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark. asking the opinions of players’ rights. I hope that any players. It is intended we don’t have injuries and to provide a more strik- that we can have a decent ing visual spectacle and week of tennis here.” make it easier for fans to While the event does see the ball, compared to carry vital ranking points the traditional deep red and is one of nine Masters clay surface so familiar to Series tournaments sectennis lovers and used at ond only in importance to events such as the upcom- the Grand Slams, it is also ing French Open. used as a valuable warmHowever, the outcry up for the French Open at from the players has been Roland Garros, which bealmost universally nega- gins May 27. tive with the blue courts, Nadal is a six-time which are made of the champion in Paris, where same crushed brick as Djokovic will seek to end normal clay but treated that dominance and take to remove the iron oxide his own recent run in that provides the typical Grand Slams to five titles orange hue. The brick is in six events. Any interdyed blue, and apparently ference with their precise something in the process preparations has naturally causes different spin and gotten the sport’s leading bounce than usual. lights a bit twitchy.

“My criticism is not If the player comdirected at the tourna- plaints were just about ment but at the ATP, which aesthetics, they would should never had allowed have less foundation and such a change at a tour- blue clay courts might benament of this scale,” said come a fixture on the calNadal, arguably the great- endar. If safety becomes est clay court player in ten- an issue, though, then the nis history. Nadal turned blue surfaces could disaptraditionalist to back up pear in a hurry. Caroline his argument, insisting Wozniacki appeared to be that the usual shade of red the first casualty on Monclay was more in tune with day, with the women’s “the color of the earth” and world No. 6 complaining should be retained. that the “slippery” court “The only thing that is had caused a misstep that a little bit disappointing led to pain in her ankle from a player’s standpoint during her victory over is that this is decided with- Ksenia Pervak. out players agreeing on From a fan’s perspecit,” Djokovic said. “If you tive, the visual of the yeldon’t have, especially, the low ball against a blue top players testing the court certainly enhances court and agreeing for the viewing experience, this change, that should especially for those less mean something. The ATP attuned to the intricacies should have done a bet- of the game. Enjoy it while ter job in representing the you can.