EdgeDavap 6 Issue 117

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

EDGEDAVAO www.edgedavao.net

VOL. 6 ISSUE 117 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013

Serving a seamless society

BOAR. A boar named “Turjaker” which is commissioned for stud service by its owner is one large beast resembling a namesake “pork barrel fund” representing the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) allegedly abused by lawmakers. Anger over the pork barrel scam reached pitch-high yesterday with around 1,000 protesters, including the one covering a mask (left, inset) and another flashing a money sign during the Million People March in Davao.

Lean Daval Jr.

AT A GLANCE: • Organizers convinced with turnout, did not expect huge crowd • Protest needs to be sustained • Only one local official in attendance

NOT ENOUGH

Organizers say anti-pork protest needs to be sustained

Far from a million D

BY THE EDGE DaVao STaFF

By EJ Dominic FErnanDEz ejf@edgedavao.net

A

rOUnD 1,000 marchers walked from the Freedom Park on roxas Avenue to rizal Park fronting the Davao City hall demanding the abolition of the “pork”.

Even with that number, the total number of marchers all over the country was far from a million. Less than halfa-million people of that joined the Metro Manila edition of the Million People March yesterday to protest the alleged massive misuse by members of Congress of the priority development assistance fund (PDAF) a.k.a. “pork barrel”.

Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) president, Fr. Joel Tabora, S.J. in a subsequent speech, said the gathering was not defined by the alleged corruption blamed on (Janet Lim) napoles, but by “our love for one another.”

“We demand change, not just perfume on the stinking rat (pork barrel scam),” he said, adding that government spending must be based on intelligent foresight, detailed budgetary planning, integrity, transparency, control, and accountability.

“Integrity will prevail,” he said, while people applauded, inspired by the hope that Tabora’s words would result in a more transparent and honest government henceforth.

AVAO CITY’S version of the so-called “Million People March” for the abolition of the pork barrel fund drew a crowd of around 1,000, lasted for almost three hours, and convinced local organizers that it was not enough.

Undaunted by a relatively low turnout of participants, speakers in the anti-pork barrel rally in Davao City’s

FNOT ENOUGH,10

FFAR,10

INSIDE:

Local politicians laud 2 Million People March Northpoint’s green 5 features save energy Batang Pinoy 2013 14 opens today

2 THE BIG NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 117 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013

4 killed in road mishap

By Emilord P. castromayor

F

OUr persons, including a septuagenarian and his granddaughter, 7, were killed outright in a head on collision between a van and a bachelor bus along the national Highway in brgy. Lasang, Davao City about 10:45 a.m. yesterday.

SPO1 Meltran Salvador, a traffic investigator of the bunawan police station identified the fatalities as Anaklito Pedroso Jr,72, driver of the van, his granddaughter Ana Marie Pedroso, Miriam Flores, and Marites Adtuon, all residents of San Juan Subdivision in Panacan, Davao City.

Witnesses brought the victims to a hospital in Panabo city where they

were declared dead on arrival.

The bus driver, one restitoto Crodua Jr. is detained in the bunawan jail to wait for the company’s lawyer, even as Crodua is facing a charge of reckless imprudence resulting to multiple homicide and damages to property before the city prosecution office.

Meanwhile, a Sino businessman whose car bumped a couple, resulting in the death of a man and injury to his girl friend last August 16 along Quimpo boulevard has agreed to pay P225,000 as settlement instead of the amount of P500 thousand, as demanded by the victim’s family.

n only seven months this year (as of July 31), fire incidents in the Davao region have exceeded last year’s record by 10.64 percent, while bureau of Fire (bOF) 11 remains undermanned. bOF 11 Safety Enforcement Division chief F/Insp. nestor G Jimenez, in yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM Annex, Ecoland bared that there were 291 fire incidents in the region as of July 31 2013, compared to 263 in the same period of 2012.

He said that 75 to 80 percent of the incidents happened in Davao City, of which 50 to 60 percent were caused by electrical short circuits.

The recent fire incident in Km. 11 Sasa where 270 houses were

razed was the biggest fire in the past five years.

He said the Davao region bOF is undermanned; citing as example the ratio between the number of firemen and the population is 1 fireman is to 6,000 people.

He said a firetruck needs 14 firemen, but out of the 80 firetrucks in the region, only 800 firemen man 17 firetrucks, 200 of the firemen are in Davao City.

“Fortunately, we have the Central 911 and fire volunteers to assist us during fires,” he said, adding that state of the art Australian-made rosenbauer firetrucks were given to Davao City, Digos City, and Tagum City this year, while two more will be given to Panabo and Mati. EJF

10.6 % more fires in Davao region this year I

‘PABLO’ REHAB EFFORTS. Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 11 Director Priscilla N. Razon (left) says the agency has shifted its efforts in the rehabilitation and construction of the totally damaged houses in the areas devastated by typhoon Pablo to other forms of

intervention during yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao. With her is Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCos) city administrator Cleto B. Gales Jr. Lean Daval Jr.

Local politicians laud ‘Million People March’

By EJ Dominic FErnanDEz

“S

ejf@edgedavao.net

ObrA na, tama na, Pork barrel i-abolish na (we are fed up with it, abolish the pork barrel)!” was the demand of over 700 people who joined the Million People Protest Monday.

Edge Davao tried to contact the congressmen of Davao City on this demand, and only 1st district representative Karlo nograles replied, saying, “When the people speak, government should listen and abide by the wishes of the people.”

Last Saturday, 3rd district representative Isidro Ungab told Edge Davao

that he is in full support of President benigno Aquino’s decision to abolish the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) and create a new system to financially provide for certain projects for the community.

Councilor Leo “Happy LA” Avila, who was at the rally, wore a big tag on his chest which said, “I am unhappy.”

He told Edge, “I am a taxpayer and I am not happy with what is going on in the government, especially the prok barrel scam,” adding that his wife is a businesswoman

works hard to pay her taxes, and that, as a government official, he saw the lack of funds for certain projects, only to find out that taxes end up in scams.

“People should engage in activities such as the March and the Freedom of Information bill should be passed so that the people and the media will have access to information about the way government works.

“If the PDAF is abolished, there will be a level playing field during election, where simple people with dreams for their

community have a chance to can win as candidates,” he said, adding that the people should also stop asking money from politicians who tend to use money from PDAF to buy votes to win.”

Councilor Diosdado Mahipus, though he did not attend the protest, told Edge, “this is great, this is a revolution of the mind and an evolution of a once passive and gullible Filipino society towards being vigilant and activist, conscious of their future.”

He urged the people to “Engage, don’t be indifferent.”

DOE orders auditing of 2 Daneco groups By anTonio m. aJEro ama@edgedavao.net

T

ORNAMENTAL FISH. A seasoned pet fish dealer displays assorted ornamental fish which he sells for P50 apiece along the sidewalk of R. Magsaysay Avenue in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

HE Department of Energy (DOE) will conduct an audit to determine how two warring management groups of the Davao handled the money of the multi-million peso Davao del norte Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Daneco).

This was bared by Energy Secretary Carlos Jerico Petilla during last Friday’s meeting he had with quarreling officers of the electric cooperative known as Daneco-nEA (national Electrification Administration) and Daneco-CDA (Cooperative

Development Authority), and government officials of Davao del norte led by Gov. rodolfo de rosario and Compostela Valley under Gov. Arthur “Chiongke” T. Uy and the cities of Tagum and Samal Island.

At the same time, the more than 160,00O members of Daneco will finally be given a chance to choose under whose supervision their electric cooperative should be – remained with the nEA or now be the CDA, during a confirmatory referendum scheduled on January 2,

FDOE, 10

3 SUBURBIA

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 117 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013

OLAYCON, MONKAYO

‘Pablo’ families celebrate 2 harvest festival nd

S

OME 154 professional and non-professional farmer-beneficiaries who are all Typhoon Pablo victims and whose livelihood was heavily affected gathered anew first week of August to mark the 2nd Harvest Festival of the Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan (KSK) Farmers’ Training Program.

The 2nd Harvest Festival on August 2 served as the highlight during the observance of the 59th Araw ng barangay Olaycon. The 1st Harvest Festival was held last May 2 right before the graduation rites on May 3 at SM Lanang Premier where they brought in and showcased their produce. now on its 6th year, KSK is spearheaded by SM Foundation, Inc., this time, in partnership with LGU Monkayo, Harbest Agribusiness Corp., DA and DSWD. The 48th batch of KSK started in February 2013 with participants coming from 10 barangays of Monkayo.

From February to May, the vegetable production course ran for 12 Tuesdays and covered one module per meeting. Celestino Alla of Harbest Agribusiness Corp. conducted the lectures in the morning while afternoons were slated for hands on sessions. Among the topics discussed were nursery Preparation, Seed Sowing, Land Preparation, Caring & nursing of Seedling, Pruning, Trellis Preparation, Fruit Selection and Fruit Thinning, Pest and Disease Control, Irrigation

KORONADAL CITY

Fresh produce of ‘Pablo’ families. & Drainage, and Postharvest Technology.

Integrated in the training course is the orientation on the DSWD Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) focused on Community Driven Enterprise Development approach which covers Self Awareness, Time Management, Financial Literacy, Product Management, Participatory Livelihood Issue Analysis, and Value Chain Analysis. DSWD and DA also taught participants Cost Analysis and return of Investment Analysis.

The one-hectare demonstration farm for the

high-value crop production in barangay Olaycon was donated by the brillantes family. Managed by the recent KSK graduates, the farm grows fruits and vegetables like watermelon, corn, lettuce, stringed beans, ampalaya, kangkong, eggplant, tomato, squash, honeydew, cucumber, gourd, cantaloupe, and bell pepper.

At least 50 Pantawid Pamilya families participated in the training who also sold their fruit and vegetable produce at the barangay Market Market.

Pantawid Parent Leaders rio Albit, Irelina Erhuela

and Juanita Gogo happily joined other Pantawid grantees in selling their fresh crops during the annual barangay fair, saying, they feel good and renewed to be involved in this activity.

Meanwhile, a number of participants have already started transferring the farming technology in their respective barangays. Alexander Ypil, 45, of barangay Tubo-tubo have taught 54 individuals and they are now harvesting their crops. Ypil proudly showed his farm to the organizers and visitors and even offered them a taste

TAGUM CITY

of his very sweet and luscious watermelon. recipient Milagrosa Gogo said the program is a big help to her family and this was confirmed by fellow participants rea Dulay, Perlita Morala and Lea rim, adding, “We are trying to get back to our normal lives with our children at school and we are coping despite the hardships.”

In her message, Cristie S. Angeles, Asst. Vice President for Outreach Program and Livelihood of SM Foundation, Inc. stressed that indeed public-private partnership (PPP) is working and very much possible.

She said Olaycon is blessed because of good governance. “I can see a better, healthier and happier tomorrow for your community.”

Training participant and Olaycon barangay Chair Janet b. Diel happily announced that the graduates have been recently organized into Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan Vegetable Production Association.

“We are overwhelmed with the support we are getting from different agencies and offices. We urged everyone to visit Olaycon and buy our products. ” [DSWD/ Carmela Cadigal-Duron]

LGU to auction tax delinquent real properties

Tagum celebrates simple heroes day

HE Koronadal City government is targeting to generate around P28 million in additional revenues in an upcoming public auction sale of tax delinquent real properties in the area.

Marloun Gumbao, Koronadal City treasurer, said they are now finalizing the preparations for the city’s first-ever public auction sale, which is scheduled on Sept. 18 to 20.

He said they will initially auction 100 tax delinquent properties, which comprise agricultural lands, commercial buildings, residential lands and buildings as well as machineries.

The said properties are located in barangays Zone III, Zone II, Zone I, Topland, Sto. nino, Sta. Cruz, Saravia, San roque,

simple yet meaningful ceremony marked Tagum City’s celebration of the national Heroes Day last August 26, 2013 held at the city’s Freedom Park.

Mayor Allan rellon highlighted the importance of paying tribute to heroes of generations past as a vital gesture of gratitude to those who have offered their lives in pursuit of our country’s freedom.

The local chief executive said this is the first time that the city staged a commemoration program honoring the country’s heroes with the active participation of the military, civic-society organizations and the academe.

In his keynote

T

San Jose, Paraiso, new Pangasinan, namnama, Morales, Mabini, Gen.Paulino Santos, Esperanza, Carpenter Hill, Cacub and Avancena.

The city government earlier said it will offer for auction a total of 1,571 real properties in the city that have already accumulated unpaid realty taxes worth around P65 million in the last several years.

Among those that will be offered for auction are real properties owned or registered to telephone company Pilipino Telephone Corporation (Piltel).

Piltel was listed to have owed the city government a total of P19 million in unpaid realty taxes for its eight listed properties.

“We already issued the demand letters and

notices for the public auction as part of the process,” Gumbao said in a radio interview.

He said a list of tax delinquent property owners will be published in a local daily for two consecutive weeks before the scheduled public auction.

Gumbao said property owners who want to file objections or wanted to pay their dues will have until the end of the month to settle them.

He said the city treasurer’s office is open to negotiations with interested property owners who would want to pay their tax arrears on installment basis.

He said property owners will have one year to pay their tax arrearages in full and its 2 percent interest. [Allen V. Estabillo / Mindanews]

A

speech, Mayor rellon said the current generation of Filipinos should emulate the deep love of national heroes for the country and thus challenging them to become heroes in their own simple ways.

During the event, the local government also recognized the World War II veterans who are also members of the Veterans Federation of the Philippines based in Tagum City.

Showing support during the program are the men in uniform from the Philippine national Police, the Philippine Army, bureau of Fire Protection, bureau of Jail Management and Penelogy, the reservists enlist-

ed in the Philippine Army and Philippine Air Force, and civic society organizations like the UrGEnT, Inc., Sons and Daughters of Veterans Association, among others.

Patriotic songs and dances elaborated the celebration with performances rendered by students from Tagum City national High School, Tagum City national Comprehensive High School and Magugpo Pilot Imelda Elementary School.

Aside from the formal wreath laying ceremony, also highlighting the event were the releasing of balloons and white doves as symbols of freedom. [Louie Lapat/CIO Tagum]

4 BIGGER PICTURE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 117 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013

Shouts, ‘selfie’ and a pig named Porky T

HE call was made on Facebook. And on these days of social media interaction, the word quickly spread like wildfire.

Yesterday, the shoutouts, tweets and comments became a more reverberating shout of protest for Davao’s part of the Million People March at the rizal Park.

The mood was not all too serious. There were moments for some “selfie” photo sessions, and

some light moments with friends. Even the protest action became a fashion statement with customized shoutout shirts printed for the occasion and a pig on a cage named by organizers “Porky” to represent the subject of the protest—pork barrel fund.

The protest mixed anti-pork slogans with song and dance performances from members of various militant groups.

By Lean Daval Jr. The Million People March did not end at the streets and park of Davao. When the day was over, the shouts were back where it all began--on Facebook.

5 PROPERTY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 117 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013

Northpoint’s green features save energy A

S power shortage continues to hound Mindanao, it pays to find ways to have an energy-efficient lifestyle, reducing demand from the power grid to free up supply for those that direly need it, and giving you savings from your energy bill at the same time. but what if you live in a home that allows you to do just that without drastic lifestyle changes and inconvenience on your part? That home is found in northpoint, Vista residence’s landmark condo development in Davao. northpoint homeowners have the advantage of living in green condo buildings designed to principles of green architecture. Its eco-design allows it to have minimal impact to human health and the environment.

Those who wish to live green only need to move in to northpoint and immediately they can have an eco-friendly way of living. They just need to get in touch with Camella at Delgar bldg., JP Laurel Ave., bajada, telephone 2953973.

With the environment facing many stressors, living green comes as a moral thing to do. but how exactly

does northpoint allow its homeowners to live green? by allowing them to consume less energy, thereby reducing impact to the environment emanating from power generation, and reducing their individual carbon footprint. northpoint’s condos are designed to let natural air flow through the buildings through the atriums, indoor gardens, wide windows in the stairwell, and other ventilation openings in the structures.

Liverpool, the 4th tower, will have Sky Gardens, wide openings from the building’s façade that allows cooler air to circulate freely around the hallways, corridors, common areas, indoor gardens, and individual condo units, providing fresh air to each unit.

With excellent ventilation, northpoint’s buildings are cooler. Unit owners can opt to keep their air-conditioner off in the morning and in the afternoon, and turn it on only during the hottest time of the day like lunch time.

They can even keep the aircon off at night, as northpoint has a refreshing environment with its verdant surroundings of profuse plant life and im-

Northpoint’s fourth tower, Liverpool (center), has Sky Gardens, openings within its facade that allow cool air and sunlight to enter the building. ported Caribbean pine trees that also give off a fragrant scent. northpoint residents can also conserve energy through lesser demand for artificial lighting with the very same features that give the condo buildings excellent indoor air quality. northpoint’s hallways are also naturally lighted by sunlight streaming through the skylights found at the roof of each condo building.

The skylights illuminate the indoor garden and the landscaped atrium. The condo’s wide windows also let natural light into the unit, lighting its interior. Homeowners will find no need for artificial lighting during the day.

With the electricity bill eating up an average of 25% of the budget of a common household, northpoint’s energy-saving features is a boon to its homeowners. It’s a

win-win proposition for northpoint residents: saving energy, reducing their carbon impact, and saving money from reduced power bills. northpoint is a showcase of Vista residences commitment to the environment, anchored on the commitment of its holding company Vista Land & Lifescapes, the largest homebuilder in the country. northpoint units are

currently offered with remarkable discounts that can reach as much as P750,000, plus additional discounts for those who make spot payments. For the Kadayawan month, down payment terms have been stretched to 34 months at 15%.

More information is available at http://www. camella.com.ph/, like “Camella Official” on Facebook and follow “@CamellaOfficial” on Twitter.

6 THE ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

Stat Watch

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

7.1 1st Qtr 2013

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

7.8 1st Qtr 2013

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

USD 3,741 million Feb 2013 USD 4,708 million Feb 2013 USD -967 million Feb 2013 USD -640 million Dec 2012 P 4,964,560 million Feb 2013

8. Interest Rates 4/

2.4 % Mar 2013 P113,609 million Mar 2013 P 5,281 billion Mar 2013

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

P 41.14 Apr 2013

12. Stocks Composite Index 6/

6,847.5 Mar 2013

13. Consumer Price Index 2006=100

132.8 Apr 2013

14. Headline Inflation Rate 2006=100

2.6 Apr 2013

15. Core Inflation Rate 2006=100

3.1 Apr 2013

16. Visitor Arrivals

418,108 Feb 2013

17. Underemployment Rate 7/

20.9% Jan 2013

18. Unemployment Rate 7/

7.1% Jan 2013

MONTHLY AVERAGE EXCHANGE RATE (January 2012-April 2013) Month Average December November October September August July June May April March February January

2013

2012

2011

40.67 40.73

42.23 41.01 41.12 41.45 41.75 42.04 41.91 42.78 42.85 42.70 42.86 42.66 43.62

43.31 43.64 43.27 43.45 43.02 42.42 42.81 43.37 43.13 43.24 43.52 43.70 44.17

It figures

VOL. 6 ISSUE 117 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

AboitizPower subsidiaries get ISO certification A

bOITIZPOWEr subsidiaries, Hedcor, Inc. obtained recertification anew of three International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certificates while Hedcor Sibulan, Inc. secured another three.

After extensive series of auditing and testing, Certification International Philippines, Inc (CIP), an ISO certifying body in the country awarded the 90001:2008 or Quality Management System, 14001:2004 or Environmental Management System and OHSAS 18001:2007 or Occupational Health and Safety Management to Hedcor Sibulan, Inc. Since the commissioning of the hydropower plant last 2010, the plant had been supplying clean and HEDCOR IS INTERNATIONALLY CERTIFIED. Joselito Soler (right) of CIP formally handed over the award to Hedcor’s VP Mindanao Operations, renewable energy to Davao. Rolando Pacquiao (left). Attaining global standards to reach its vision of generating 2 billion kilowatt hours of Cleanergy by 2020.

Conforming to the company’s mission to operate and and productivity, Hedcor, global standards” Chris Fa- System 14001:2004 prodevelop efficient plants, Inc. unfailingly commits to elnar, Hedcor’s Senior Vice vide assurance to company President voiced. management and employees constant improvements and standard.

Since its first certificaCollectively known as as well as stakeholders that upgrading of assets and sertion on QMS, last 2000, HedIntegrated Management environmental impact is bevices are undertaken. cor, Inc. continued and exSystems, these certificates ing measured and improved.

“We take pride in this inplored more opportunities showcase the companies’ On the other hand, OHSAS ternational certification beto improve prompting them adherence to continual en18001:2007 or Occupational cause it is a manifestation to add more certifications hancement.

It is how the Health and Safety Manageon how we work integrating reaching global standards. company manages its proment is a representation of quality, safety and security in Last year, Hedcor added ISO cesses to meet customer working health and safety everything we do”, Hedcor’s 27001, the International requirements and expectamanagement system that Vice President for Mindanstandard for Information Setions. demonstrates commitment ao Operations, rolando Paccurity Management Systems Quality Management to welfare of employees.. quiao, said. or ISMS. It is how the compaSystem 90001:2008 exemHedcor is the largest Hedcor, Inc. on the other ny manages the confidentialplifies the company’s sysdeveloper of run-of-river hand continues to meet and ity, integrity and availability tematic control of activities hydropower plants in the maintain standards as provof information. to ensure that needs and country operating 19 plants en by its recertification of ”This is another achieveexpectations of customers in benguet, Ilocos Sur and the same international cerment that justifies how are met or even exceeded.

Davao with a total capacity tificates. Keen to efficiency Hedcor works— at par with Environmental Management of 155 megawatts.

SM malls to rise in two Mindanao cities T

WO more SM shopping malls will rise in butuan City and Cagayan de Oro City in Mindanao next year.

“The butuan mall will be (opened) around 2014 and Cagayan de Oro mall will follow suit...Construction has not yet started, we are still on the designing stage,” SM Supermalls assistant vice president Debby Go told reporters.

Go said the Cagayan de Oro

1,175 Volunteers who responded immediately to the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) call for help to repackage and load for transport thousands of family food packs for the victims of the floods brought about by tropical storm Maring and the enhanced southwest monsoon. If you want to join them, head over to the National Resource Operation Center at NAIA Chapel Road, Pasay City.

City mall, a second SM shopping center in the area, will serve communities around the city as well as those from Iligan and Marawi cities.

She also sees a lot of growth potential in butuan City being the center of the Caraga region.

The two malls will bring to six the total number of SM shopping centers in Mindanao.

SM currently has four

22

malls in the island –the SM City Davao, the SM Lanang Premiere, SM City Cagayan de Oro and SM City General Santos City.

Go said the four shopping centers now account for four to five percent of SM Prime Holdings Inc.’s total revenues.

“We have a marching order to hit double-digit growth in terms of revenues and income (across all

million pesos

The combined worth of relief assistance the DSWD, local government units, and nongovernment organizations have provided victims of the floods, as of August 22, 2013.

chains). On the region’s target, in terms of contribution to the entire SM Supermalls, it is just maintained at that rate,” she said.

SM Prime operates 47 malls all over the country with a total gross floor area of about six million square meters.

For the rest of 2013, it is scheduled to launch SM City bF Paranaque and five malls in China. [PnA]

12,842,250.00

pesos

The amount of relief, in the form of food and nonfood items, released by the DSWD alone, broken down as follows: NCR, P4,720,000.00; Region III, 6,250,000.00; and Region IV-A, P1,872,250.00. The items include family food packs, high-energy biscuits, plastic mats, and blankets.

SCIENCE/ENVIRONMENT 7

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 117 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013

China’s exposure to arsenic water estimated n

EArLY 20 million people in China could be exposed to water contaminated with arsenic, a study suggests.

Scientists used information about the geology of the country to predict the areas most likely to be affected by the poison.

The report is published in the journal Science.

Arsenic occurs naturally in the Earth’s crust, but if it leaches into groundwater, long-term exposure can cause serious health risks.

These include skin problems and cancers of the skin, lungs, bladder and kidney.

Geological maps Until now, estimating the scale of arsenic contamination in large countries has been difficult.

China is thought to have more than 10 million drinking wells, and each needs to be screened to establish whether any toxic compounds are present. This process could take decades.

Instead, researchers from Switzerland and China looked at geological maps of the country.

Dr Annette Johnson,

from the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (EAWAG) and a co-author of the study, explained: “In the last few years the amount of geospatial information - electronic maps - that’s become available is large. You have information such as climate data, land use, and distance to the river or elevation.”

Using this information, and by looking at the types of rocks present in the country, and in particular their age, the researchers pinpointed the regions where the toxic element is most likely to be found.

Their findings suggest that 19.6 million people in China could be exposed to unsafe levels in their drinking water, including some living in areas areas not previously thought to be at risk.

Dr Johnson told the bbC World Service programme Science in Action: “They are areas along river basins where there is irrigation and agriculture, including areas that were known previously such as the Huhhot basin in Inner Mongolia, but there are also new areas in the central Sichuan

EARNING FROM ‘RECYCLABLES’. Young scavengers make business by picking plastics and other recyclable materials dumped by the recent monsoon rains along Manila Bay in Roxas Boulevard on Saturday, August 24, 2013. [PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan] province and along the east coast.”

The researchers say the findings could help the Chinese authorities with their well-screening programmes.

Dr Johnson explained: “What it is very important to do is to go to the areas that are hotspots and screen those first.

The chances are you will find more contaminated wells than wells that are not contaminated.

“And in the other areas, you still have to make sure you do screening for arsenic, but it is probably not such a high priority.”

Wells that are contaminated could be either treated or taken out

er insect does in this way.

It also makes its own vehicle [or] shelter to jump in.”

“It is also the only one I know of that jumps in an oriented way.”

C. trifascialis is found throughout South East Asia and researchers were initially studying the caterpillar’s defence mechanism in Yok Don national Park, Vietnam.

It secretes a pungent-smelling toxic fluid from glands behind two arm-like protrusions to protect itself from ants.

After storing a number of caterpillars under his bed, Mr Humphreys woke the next day to a

“thumping” sound as the leaf-wrapped larvae tried to jump out of their plastic container.

“I was absolutely struck speechless when I first saw this,” he said.

To understand why the caterpillars jumped, the researchers studied them in the lab. Constructing transparent leaf rolls from plastic allowed them to see how the insects moved inside their shelters.

To jump, the caterpillar anchors its rear prolegs to the floor of its shelter and lowers its head.

Its front section then suddenly moves backward, causing the animal to arch upwards.

Its back strikes the ‘ceiling’ of the shelter, causing the whole structure to jump backwards.

Field studies showed the caterpillars moving in this way for around three days.

Previous studies have suggested that larvae jump to avoid predators, parasites or sunlight.

In their research, Mr Humphreys and Dr Darling found that the jumping caterpillars were safer from predators when they fell to the ground but were then vulnerable to overheating in sunlight. [bbC]

of use, she added.

The researchers believe this new prediction method could used elsewhere around the world.

Arsenic contamination of groundwater is found in central Europe, South America, parts of the US and Asia. but one country that could benefit is ban-

gladesh, where arsenic poisoning has been described by the World Health Organization as a “public health emergency”.

It is estimated that between 35 million and 77 million people there are at risk of drinking contaminated water. [bbC]

Caterpillar does not look where it leaps Antarctic likely to

A

n unusual caterpillar uses the sun to navigate as it jumps to safety, according to scientists.

The larva of Calindoea trifascialis, a species of moth native to Vietnam, wraps itself in a leaf before dropping to the forest floor.

It then spends three days searching for a suitable place to pupate, despite not being able to see out of its shelter.

Experts found the insect used a piston-like motion to jump away from strong sunlight.

“We believe the object of the jumping is to find

shade - to avoid overheating and desiccation,” explained Mr Kim Humphreys from the royal Ontario Museum, Canada who conducted the research alongside Dr Christopher Darling.

Their findings are published in the royal Society journal biology Letters.

Although Mr Humphreys described the caterpillar as “non-descript” in appearance, he said its behaviour makes it unique in a number of ways.

“Caterpillars or larvae that jump are rare in themselves,” he said. “[This] caterpillar is remarkable for its jumping, which no oth-

TRANSFORMATION. The caterpillars pupate to transform into moths.

preserve wrecks

Ernest Shackleton’s famous ship, the Endurance, which he had to abandon in 1915 on his ill-fated Antarctic expedition, is probably still in very good condition on the ocean floor.

This is one conclusion from research that studied how sunken wood degrades in southern polar waters.

Experiments that submerged planks for over a year found they returned to the surface in near-pristine condition.

Scientists point to the absence in the region of wood-boring “ship worms”.

Anywhere else in the world, these molluscs would normally devour sunken wood rapidly. but Adrian Glover from London’s natural History Museum says the currents that circle the Antarctic likely prevent the organisms from getting anywhere near the continent. t means the remains of old wooden shipwrecks, such as the oak- and pine-constructed Endurance, which was pierced by ice, may be remarkably well preserved in their water graves at the bot-

tom of the sea.

“I think it’s a reasonable hypothesis to suggest Endurance is still in good condition, certainly based on our experiments and what we know about low microbial rates of degradation in the cold Antarctic deep sea,” Dr Glover told bbC news.

“Marine archaeologists and historians have long dreamt of finding the wreck and recovering artefacts from Shackleton’s expedition. but I’m interested in how deep-sea ecosystems function and how they recycle large organic inputs. All that oak and pinewood down there would be an amazing experiment in itself, and it would be fascinating to see it.”

Dr Glover’s international team reports its latest Antarctic research in this week’s edition of the royal Society journal Proceedings b.

The scientists recount how they put samples of whale bone and wood on platforms and then lowered them to the sea bed.

They wanted to study the activity of some of the strangest creatures in the deep ocean. [bbC]

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL

E

VOL. 6 ISSUE 117 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013

Solomonic?

nErGY Secretary Carlos Jerico Petilla rendered what some people call a Solomonic decision on the long-running war between two boards of directors over control of the Davao del norte Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Daneco). The warring factions are the Daneco-CDA board, which favors the conversion of Daneco into a cooperative under the Cooperative Development Authority, and Daneco-nEA which wants the cooperative to remain under the oversight supervision of the national Electrifications Administration. The controversy has reached the courts.

The squabble has caused confusion among members of the cooperative where they belong and to which of the two they should pay their light bills, even as still others have decided not to pay at all. no wonder, Daneco’s indebtedness to its creditors had ballooned. Daneco is indebted to one creditor alone – the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM) to the tune of close to P300 million.

Expectedly, PSALM will soon serve a notice of discon-

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nection to Daneco, threatening its service areas with very damaging continuing blackouts that would last until the cooperative is able to settle its unpaid bills.

The specter of disconnection has worried the economic and political leaders of Compostela Valley and Davao del norte who fear that, without power, they would have to kiss their development dreams goodbye.

However, hope springs from Secretary Petilla’s being able to convince the warring factions to bow to whatever the cooperative’s 160,000 members decide in a referendum on January 2, 2014, as to which between Daneco-nEA and Daneco-CDA they want to belong.

Meanwhile, Petilla has ordered an audit of the monies that were handled by both Daneco-nEA and Daneco-CDA. Whether the agreements brokered by Petilla will work, considering the possible legal maneuvers that can throw a monkey wrench into the messy situation, only time can tell.

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EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 117 •TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013

U

People’s logical effort

PHEAVAL AGAInST SAnCTIOnED PrIVILEGE AnD VESTED InTErEST – Our people have long felt the need for national unity. Probably this was the compelling reason for launching the “Million People March” to strongly denounce widespread corruption embroiling the highly controversial Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) otherwise known as “pork-barrel” funds. The strength emanates from the collective will of our people and closer cooperation that resulted in greater participation by disgusted different groups not only in Metro Manila but likewise in all capital cities across the country.

Groups of diverse political inclinations, colors and stripes and people from all walks in life declared their desire to persuade President benigno Aquino III to make true his assurance to abolish with finality the pork barrel funds granted to members of Congress, and of course, to the executive branch.

However, political analysts raised doubts and noted with great interest if the just concluded people’s march against PDAF can contribute much to foster the spirit of solidarity, or if its voices will be heard or respected, coming as it does from the collective minds of street parliamentarians, persistent critics, political detractors and ordinary people.

What we are witnessing here – it seems to me – is a widespread uprising against sanctioned privilege and vested interest. People have now come to realize there are many roads to progress without the members of Congress devouring too much on pork barrel funds. And it is true that, to a poor and impatient people development should not merely depend more on the scandal-prone PDAF. beyond that, economic experts reiterated that

O

VANTAGE POINTS

government funds intended for infrastructure and agricultural projects and basic social services instead should be channeled through the appropriate implanting agencies to avoid irregularities. After all, the role of senators and congressmen is not to pinpoint and implement projects, but to enact and promulgate laws supposedly in gorgeous foundation.

The complimentarity of the people’s action hinges on the strength of their beliefs, thus they need the commitment of everyone from the different ranks to be more vigilant. President Pnoy may have officially pronounce the total abolishment of PDAF aimed at ending the lurid tales of corruption, but least people won’t forget there are behind-the-scene “political undercurrent” orchestrated by some top leaders of Congress stealthily nudging the President to retain the pork barrel funds – at all cost. This time, though, reports have it they’re serious in their intent and determined not to squander the PDAF funds, and must be wide-ranging in its concept. Tell that to the Marines, gentlemen and ladies!

Having experience the advantages of PDAF, our political leaders treasure more the right to run their affair through a representative system because for so many of our poor people, politicians – as unsavory as some of them may seem to the people are still neces-

sary and often beneficial influence in their never-ending struggle to obtain progress both in the urban and rural communities.

This self-centered view is easy to understand but it is also a mistaken one, and the people therefore should be extra cautious to avoid falling into the trap. One reason is that the pork barrel scam proved to be an “eye-opener” and still majority often associate representative institutions with political irresponsibility.

Today’s question is no longer whether people would swallow the president’s promise to scrap the PDAF “hook, line and sinker,” but how far his guarantee should go. Adding my little voice, I for one think the pork barrel funds can go – it must go – far beyond the sanctimoniousness of Congress to the nuts and bolts of problems – and unluckiness that face the masses of our people. because as the experts have pointed out, the pork barrel distribution system has changed a great deal since it was initiated many years ago, since members of Congress became the direct project planners – in fact, since the whole concept of the distribution of funds were gleaming in the eyes of some enterprising and cash-oriented lawmakers. now it’s up to the people to make their demand comes true. And the unrest is the most logical effort because it really speaks with the voice of our million-strong collective constituency. The common initiative people have taken and shared against unabated corruption recognizes their concern about the rising threat from the misuse of pork barrel and other government funds, and the urgency of involving the elderly and the young among our people to push an advocacy worth everybody’s support.

Let the great economy spin

n the way to my holiday in Italy this year, I had an epiphany about the state of the world economy. I stopped for lunch in the truly miraculous Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa, where Galileo Galilei is said to have dropped cannon-balls from the Leaning Tower to test his theories of motion. A few years later, Galileo invented the telescope to amass the detailed astronomical observations that were needed to prove beyond reasonable doubt the heliocentric theory of the universe — the idea that the earth revolves around the sun and not the other way round, as the bible implied. Galileo was famously tried by the Inquisition for this heresy and decided to recant, presumably inspired by what happened to his fellow-mathematician Giordano bruno, who was burnt at the stake for similar ideas. but after mechanically recanting, Galileo muttered under his breath the rebellious phrase for which he is still renowned: eppur si muove — “and yet it moves.”

As I enjoyed my lunch in Pisa, Galileo’s defiantly optimistic words echoed through my mind. “And yet it moves” seemed perfectly to describe what I had felt about the world economy and financial markets since the crisis of 2008.

For the past five years, the media and financial markets have resounded with prophecies of doom. Economists have strained to prove why life would never be the same again; why bankruptcy was inevitable for great na-

COMMENTARY

By AnAtole KAletSKy

(1st of two parts) tions such as Italy, France, britain and even the United States, Japan and China, and why the pre-crisis decades of prosperity would have to be followed by an era of repentance — or else a biblical Day of reckoning would be upon us.

Yet the world has continued to turn, even as the Last Trumpets were sounding. Since early 2009, economic conditions in most of the world have been steadily improving, employment has rebounded in the United States, britain and Asia and recently even in parts of Europe. Corporate profits have been expanding everywhere and stock markets have risen almost without interruption.

The gap between dire predictions and reality is particularly striking today in southern Europe — especially in Italy. With unprecedented unemployment, governments falling like bowling pins and the euro project crumbling, for many pundits some kind of social collapse seemed inevitable. Yet there have been no revolutions, no breakdowns of democracy, no serious public revolts, even in countries such as Italy and Spain, with recent histories of terrible political violence. Part of the explanation lies in the big advances in genuine economic pros-

perity and welfare provision in the pre-crisis decades. As a result, the hardship today is nowhere near as bad as it was in the 1970s and 1980s, except perhaps in Greece. Another part of the answer is that time itself is a great healer and a crisis postponed, as the euro crisis has been, eventually becomes a crisis resolved.

In Italy, it appears that nothing significant has been done to resolve the euro crisis. businesses are still strangled by credit restrictions and new taxes. Many of the reforms imposed by former Prime Minister Mario Monti are being reversed and the government is, as usual, on the brink of collapsing.

Despite all these problems, eppur si muove, as Galileo said. Italy’s economic statistics are gradually improving and the mood among Italians this summer is palpably better than a year ago. The huge IKEA store just north of rome was thronging with customers, and the shopping mall it anchors — one of the biggest in Europe – was as busy as any I have seen in britain or the United States. Even Italy’s notoriously decrepit infrastructure has improved impressively in the past two years, despite all the reported public spending cutbacks.

After decades of delays, the rome and Florence ring-roads have been completed; many miles of highways have been resurfaced with sound-barriers erected, and high-speed trains are racing along impressive new high-speed railways from Venice and Milan to rome and naples.

9

Not the Time to Celebrate MIND DA NEWS

T

PAtricio P. DiAz

HE organizers of the “Million People March” nationwide are right. President benigno “noynoy” Aquino heard but has not listened. So, the March must go on even if he has declared the abolition of the PDAF (Priority Development Assistance Fund) of the members of Congress. The “F” will remain intact in the 2014 budget. The “P”, the “D” and the “A” will be reformulated.

What is there to celebrate? none! not at this time. The people want the House of Corruption named “PDAF” demolished. Mr. Aquino will only renovate it and change the name.

Anybody who has lived through the Commonwealth to the present republic will testify that the same SOP or modus operandi has turned a clean bureaucracy into a nest of corruption – change the name after the renovation. Same dog, different collar!

Here’s the paradox. In the 1930s and up to the 1950s, there were fewer office positions compared to today. An office employee performed related functions. Later, positions were split to spread out functions. reasons: To have more efficiency and to prevent corruption. Yet, in those early years, one did not have to offer coffee or lunch to speed up the processing of papers.

Don’t get me wrong. Creating office positions for specific functions – this is called “streamlining” – is the better system. but the system has been deformed to serve the “private good” rather than the “public”.

And, the greater paradox! The “people” and “public service” have always been the reasons for innovations called “reforms”. They are the reasons for entrenching the PDAF – in different names and modus operandi since the first Philippine President. They are the same reasons for the institution and proliferation of the nGOs (non-government organizations) after EDSA I. now, it can be asked: Who are the people, the public? There’s the path to heaven detoured to hell.

When the multi-billion peso napoles scandal was exposed a month ago, the Palace said the President was against abolishing the PDAF. Then the President reconsidered his position as he conferred with congressional leaders.

A week ago, the “Million People March” was launched in the web. As the “netizen” movement gathered momentum – like the LDA (low depressed area) intensifying into a storm -- the President, three days ago, announced, flanked by the Senate president and House speaker, to abolish the PDAF. Speaker Feliciano belmonte urged the members of the House to accept the President’s decision. That’s sheer drama. They, the majority, already had. Their concern for the people and public service will be taken care of.

The executive and the legislative will meet to agree on how the PDAF will be renovated and renamed – to be engrafted into the resolutions to abolish already filed in both the House and the Senate.

Let’s wait to see the renovation and the new name – the new collar of the same dog.

Then will be the time to celebrate or to take to the streets.

Let’s not forget the Marcos martial law. The first three months showed changes for the better only to turn into the worst in the next fourteen years.

Let’s not forget the EDSA I. The “people power” reverberated throughout the world and was replicated by some oppressed nations. Yet, the fruits rotted before they could ripen under the Cory Aquino and ramos governments.

Let’s not forget the EDSA II. Vice President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in her impromptu acceptance and inaugural speech as the new president made three promises that could have brought glorious days to the Philippines. Yet, she turned 180 degrees around and the 3,390 days after are remembered mostly for the nightmares.

Is President Aquino III really different?

Yet, it should be asked: If it would suffice just to renovate and rename PDAF, why did he not do it on Day One of his administration in 2010? but if the same renovating and renaming by his predecessors did not work, will his doing the same be different?

The “Million People March” is right. The President heard but has not listened. The million “netizens” want him to listen. Will they not be disappointed like the million citizens in the People Power of EDSA I? [Patricio P. Diaz/Mindanews]

10 NEWS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 117 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

Not enough.. FFROM 1 rizal Park yesterday took turns in denouncing the government for failing to stop the abusive way lawmakers spend their PDAF (Priority Development Assistance Fund).

Davao City convenor Jon Joaquin said the march is “successful” but needs to be sustained.

“Yes, I think it was successful because we gathered more people than we expected and in so short a time,” said Joaquin who walked and ran barefoot.

Joaquin said he believes yesterday’s protest action was able to send the message across but he cautioned that it is important to sustain the movement.

“We didn’t expect a lot of people because it was short notice. We did not place a number but certainly not 3,000 as they are reporting. We were happy that we got many groups and private individuals to join,” Joaquin told Edge Davao in a private message on Facebook.

The protest action, a concerted nationwide action, had 682 confirmed attendees based on the invitations sent out by its Davao convenors on social media site Facebook.

An hour before the rally started at 9 a.m., Joaquin led the barefoot run with a few participants beginning and ending at rizal Park--the rally venue. The gathering ended at 10:30 a.m.

While the rally was going on, a live pig named by organizers as “Porky”

inside a pen carried by a tricycle was placed just below the plaza stage.

Fr. Joel Tabora, Ateneo de Davao president, read a statement of eight paragraphs of four to five sentences each paragraph which has a version in the ADDU website.

Tabora said the gathering was not defined by the alleged corruption of one Janet napoles, but by “our love for one another.”

“We demand change, not just perfume on the stinking rat (pork barrel scam),” he said, adding that government spending must be based on intelligent foresight, detailed budgetary planning, integrity, transparency, control, and accountability. “Integrity will prevail,” he said.

Aside from the Ateneo de Davao, other groups represented in the rally were the Holy Cross of Davao College, Assumption College of Davao, Sisters’ Association of Mindanao, Mother of Perpetual Help Community, Anakbayan, Sambayan, Makabayan Coalition, Migrante, Kadamay, Pagbabago! People’s Movement for Change, Kilusang Mayo Uno, Alliance of Concerned Teachers and KAMKEM. only one local official in attendance There was only one local official seen in yesterday’s protest action in councilor Leo Avila who wore a shirt with the words “I AM UnHAPPY.” “I am not happy how they spend the money,

gisuroy-suroy lang atong kwarta. I am a pro to abolish the pork barrel system,” Avila said.

How many attended Mediamen who covered the gathering, rally veterans themselves, gave different estimates on the number of participants. ben Tesiorna of Solar news and Carmelito Q. Francisco of Mindanao Times and business World placed crowd estimate at 1,000. Judy Quiros of Mindanao Daily Mirror and Philippine Daily Inquirer at less than 1,000, E.J. Dominic Fernandez of Edge Davao at 700, Emilord Castromayor, also of Edge Davao, at more than 300, Tomas Avancena of Mindanao Journal at more than 600, bing Gonzales, photographer of Mindanao Times and PDI at about 800, Kiking Quimpan of radyo Ukay-dxUM at more than 600.

Mick basa, online reporter and university professor, said the participants did not reach 800, saying he used a traffic counter to count the participants.

A few media persons however had more generous estimates. Maymay benedicto of AbS-Cbn radio said there were more than 1,000, where Waway Alcover, her fellow worker in the AbS-Cbn television said it was 3,000 plus, based on the estimate given by Sr. Supt. ronald “bato” dela rosa, Davao City Police Office (DCPO) director. Edith regalado of Philippine Star said she counted 3,000 to 3,500

Some of the marchers were students from ADDU who constituted the chunk of the attendees, Holy Cross of Davao College (HCDC), Assumption College of Davao, redemptorist Mission Community, Sisters Association in Mindanao (SAMin), The Centrist Democratic Party (CDP), Statement of the Kahugpungan sa mga Magtutudlo ug Kawani sa Edukasyon sa Mindanao Alliance of Concerned Teachers (KAMKEM-ACT), Pagbabago People’s Movement for Change – Southern Mindanao region, Makabayan and Anakbayan.

Aside from Tabora,

other speakers included Davao Association of Catholic Schools’ (DACS) Jimmie-Loe dela Vega, Samin executive secretary noemi Degala, CDP Davao head Ceasar billiones and Pagbabago convenor, lawyer Fatima Irene Adin.

Dela Vega, referring to the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) stand against the PDAF, entitled: Let the Truth Out, which said, “Let the truth finally come out relative to the PDAF, make its use totally transparent and accountable, or abolish it.”

Degala quoted the motto of their association: “So long as there are peo-

ple who are poor, Samin will continue to fight against the corrupt, especially those who exploit the PDAF, until poverty is eradicated. billiones said the stand of CDP which is for the abolition of the Congressional PDAF, and demanded that the Department of Finance should come up within 90 days with a complete, detailed and transparent list of all existing funds similar to the congressional pork barrel not under the ordinary procurement and bidding procedure for public projects at different government units, local administrations and local elected officials.

2014. before the January referendum, specifically starting September 1, Daneco-nEA will have sole prerogative to collect electric bills of all Daneco members, Governor Uy told Edge Davao.

This is resorted to after Daneco had incurred close to P300 million indebtedness to the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp.

(PSALM).

UY said nEA and DOE

had urged Daneco consumers to pay their bills on time, other face the grim prospect of being disconnected from the grid and be thrown into darkness.

Among the local government units (LGUs) affected, the Island Garden City of Samal is the most worrisome, IGaCoS City Administrator Cleto b.

Gales Jr. said.

Gales said without electricity, IGaCos residents can kiss their dream

of becoming a premiere tourist destination of the region goodbye.

If Samalnons have their way, however, they would rather have a power provider other than Daneco, one which is capable of putting the underwater power cable always in serviceable condition.

He said under Daneco, the submarine cable had broken down many times, thereby causing power interruption for weeks.

Far.. FFROM 1

DOE.. FFROM 2

people join the rally.

Jeremy “bong” Eliab, executive assistant to the president of the Ateneo de Davao University, said the participants reached more than 1,000 most of whom were Ateneo students, faculty members and alumni.

Suggestions Some of those who joined the protest suggested a “special body” representing different sectors in the allocation of budget.

Monica Ayala, convenor of biker group Cycle for Life, said they are against the abolition of pork barrel system.

“Government must be transparent. I am here to learn more about this issue so that I can also share it to my co-bicyclists .Sana yung 10 billion nilaan na lang sa road development marami mga katulad ko naaksidente dahil sira yung daan,” Ayala said.

Militant Grace Gamalinda, coordinator of Migrante Davao, said that overseas Filipino workers who are also members of their alliance in Hongkong, Canada, Saudi Arabia and Taiwan also condemned the misused of fund by wearing black armbands last Sunday. national debate The Centrist Democratic Party (CDP) headed

by Lito Monico Lorenzana, former Interior and Local Government Minister and deputy minister of the Ministry of Environment and natural resources, distributed leaflets welcoming the national de-

bate on the pork barrels.

“For reasons of fairness we acknowledge that many Senators and Congressmen have used major parts of their pork barrels to address social problems, to help the poor and disadvantaged of the population and to develop health and education infrastructure..” the CDP statement said.

“However, the results of the COA examination for the years 20072009and the figures and facts presented to the public by whistleblowers about the frauds committed through the use of the fake nGO schemes have clearly demonstrated that the misuse and abuse of the congressional pork barrels is a widespread reality,” it added.

The CDP said “the system is prone to corruption and used by the unscrupulous to divert public funds for personal gain; more specifically using this money for doleouts and vote-buying for their election; recover their campaign expenses; and perpetuating and their families in power.”

Social media and ‘Selfie’ The Million People March which originated on Facebook also drew a deluge of mixed reactions on social media posted by Dabawenyos.

Most of those who joined the march posted photographs on their Facebook accounts.

Students took “selfie” photos from their smartphones and tablets

during yesterday’ march.

Posted on the official Fb page of the Million People March (Davao) include this reaction from Icon Jen Chua, “sana pagkatapos ng nation-wide event na ito, we as a people continue to show that we want change. and the best place to start change is within ourselves. because if we cannot be good citizens, how do we expect our government, our leaders, our country itself to be good as well? sana tuloy2 ang pagbabago, at sana magmula ito sa sarili natin. sample nalang: wag tumawid kung saan bawal tumawid. wag sumakay kung saan bawal sumakay. wag tumapon kung saan bawal tumapon.”

Liza Lc Par also posted: “i want to be counted together with the others who are disgusted to say the least about how our leaders misuse the people’s hard-earned money.”

From Gylord Mason: “unti-unting pagbabago ay hindi masama..tulungan ntin ang bansang ibangun muli mula sa pagkakabaon sa putik na pinag-gulungan ng POrK bArrEL.” Some pro-pork too Gary Hermohenes, 61, a retired teacher, residing in Calinan, Davao City that he is pro-pork barrel if it is for the services of the people.“ “Pork barrel is for poor people.

Ipadayon kung makaayo kung usik-usikan lang may pa tanggalon,” he said.

Butch to rationalize sports development

By EJ Dominic FErnanDEz

C

ejf@edgedavao.net

ITY Sports Offie coordinator William “butch” ramirez says he would bring sports to the grassroots level starting with his comprehensive sports program.

Speaking in yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM Annex, Ecoland, ramirez told members of the media that there has never been a concrete sports program foe the city.

He added that various sectors organize their own respective tournaments and do not coordinate with each other, and he intends to change all that in such a way that everyone would know the correct schedule of games, their venues and what teams are involved.

When he was still head of the Philippine Sports Commission, the motto then was “sports for all.”

He said that this could only be realized if local government units (LGU) will bring sports programs to the grassroots or barangay level, adding, “there are 182 city barangays, and if we organize a barangay sports council, we may find future Olympics talents.”

Another benefit in creating a comprehensive sports program is the reintroduction of forgotten traditional Filipino sports to the children, especially these days when so many kids are engroassed with their tabs and iPads.

At age 63, he says he

would like to leave a legacy through a comprehensive sports program which also highlighta sports for street children, informal settlers, tribal sports, and community sports.

He believes that this will help children from becoming wayward and get in conflict with the law by commiting pety crimes. ramirez would also like to focus on spectator sports, like basketball and football as these tend to bring in large audiences and may even help boost the tourism industry.

He is particular about focusing on which do not require height to acquire excellence, such as archery, fencing and boxing.

11 NATION

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 117 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013

MILLION PEOPLE MARCH. Thousands gather against the alleged misuse of the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) or pork barrel of lawmakers in front of the Quirino grandstand at Rizal Park, Manila on Monday (August 26, 2013). [PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan]

Facebook rallies thousands to protest T

EnS of thousands of people gathered in a central Manila park on Monday to protest against embedded corruption in the Philippine political system after a rallying call on Facebook and Twitter.

The so-called “million people march” is one of the largest public demonstrations since President benigno Aquino was elected in 2010 on an anti-corruption platform.

The protesters ranged from nuns and priests and students to businessmen, middle-class fam-

ilies, lawyers and other professionals, showcasing the broad-based anger over graft in the impoverished nation.

“The Filipino people are now modern. Proof is the million people march that we can’t be fooled by our leaders anymore,” a protester calling himself Gundam08 tweeted from the rally site.

Government officials’ misuse of funds has been long embedded and practically accepted in the Philippine political system but a series of newspaper articles, like about

how government funds were allegedly diverted into private hands, have stirred new anger outside of the usual protest groups.

The calls for the protest began circulating on Facebook and Twitter about two weeks ago after reports in the popular Philippine Daily Inquirer of an alleged scam involving legislators’ Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).

The PDAF is money allocated for lawmakers to be used in their pet development projects. Crit-

ics see it as funding “pork barrel” projects which have traditionally been a source of corruption.

At the centre of the controversy is a woman the newspapers reported to have allegedly connived with legislators to siphon off some 10 billion pesos ($230 million) from the fund.

Aquino had previously expanded the PDAF under his 2014 budget so that each senator will receive 200 million pesos ($4.5 million) while each member of the House of representatives gets 70

AnTED businesswoman Janet Lim napoles and her brother reynald “Jojo” Lim are still in the Philippines. napoles is the alleged “brains” behind the P10-billion pork barrel and P900-million Malampaya fund scams.

She and her brother are the subjects of an intensified nationwide manhunt by law enforcement agencies by virtue of an arrest order issued by the Makati City re-

gional Trial Court branch 150 for the case of serious illegal detention allegedly committed on benhur Luy, the whistleblower in the pork barrel scam.

According to Acting bI Commissioner Sigfried Mison, based on the database of the travel records of the agency the siblings napoles and Lim are still in the country.

Mison said the two siblings will have difficulty in leaving the country as their passports have

been cancelled by the Dept. of Foreign Affairs. nevertheless, he said they also have strict instructions to immigration officers in the international airports and seaports to be on alert once the wanted siblings are sighted in their respective areas.

He added the pictures of napoles and Lim are also posted in the airports to help in their capture.

Meantime, Mison said the bI is also coordinat-

ing with the DFA so that the agency will be very careful in processing of new passports, especially for people who have “resemblance” with napoles and Lim. In so doing, he said, what happened to siblings former Palawan Gov. Joel reyes and Mario reyes who were able to leave the country despite the warrant of arrest against them after using a passport with a different name will not be repeated. [PnA]

OrMEr Chief Justice renato Corona, who was impeached for unexplained wealth, was one with the people in the Million People March in Luneta.

Welcomed with boos, thumbs down gestures and “epal”

chants, Corona raised his fist and sang “bayan Ko” with the crowd. His wife, Cristina roco, was tearyeyed while singing.

When prodded why Corona was at the rally, a smile was all the former chief justice could give.

Corona was flanked by his wife and several friends, one of whom said their presence was voluntary and not politically-motivated.

“Here on our own, para makisama sa mga tao, no politics. We’re just here para makisama sa sambayanang

pilipino,” Corona’s friend said.

Corona also greeted his supporters in the area.

On May 29, 2012, the Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, removed Corona from power. [Yahoo!]

MANILA

million pesos for their “pork barrel.” but in the face of growing anger earlier this month, he had suspended the releases of money and vowed to reform the PDAF system.

The protestors, carrying signs saying “Abolish pork barrel” and “Change the culture of political patronage,” were peaceful even if they appeared to have no leader, said national police spokesman Senior Superintendent reuben Sindac.

“It’s a very respect-

MANILA

able gathering. There are families here like a picnic. They are policing their own ranks. This is purely social-network propelled,” he told AFP while monitoring the rally.

Of the huge crowd at the Luneta Park, only a few hundred were from the leftist protest groups that usually lead such street protests, he said.

Similar rallies were being held in public parks throughout the country, Sindac said, adding they were also peaceful.[AFP]

Napoles, Lim still in PHL -- immigration Gov’t websites hacked

W

Corona booed at Luneta Million March rally F

S

OME government websites were hacked Monday during the “Million People March” against pork barrel apparently as part of protest against the alleged anomalous use of the Priority Development Assistance Fund.

The protest march was triggered by the alleged P10-billion pork barrel and P900-million Malampaya fund scams allegedly committed by businesswoman Janet Lim napoles involving some lawmakers.

Some of those who were victimized by the hackers are the websites of the national Historical Commission, national Telecommunications Commission, Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino, Municipality of Pikit, north Cotabato, Optical Media board, Autonomous region in Muslim Mindanao, San Juan City, Talibon bohol, Philippine Economic Zone Authority and the Sugar regulatory Administration.

Some of the hacked websites have the message stating: “We are Pinoy

Vendetta. We Don’t Die, We Multiply. Abolish the Pork barrel, Hitman, Greetz to Darknight and Soulja Girl.”

The hackers also expressed their gratitude to President benigno S. Aquino III for announcing the abolition of PDAF last Friday.

However, they noted the alternative package allowing congressmen and senators to identify sponsored projects to be funded as line item in the annual budget is also paving the way for abuse by corrupt government officials in the public funds. because of this, they said, it is clear that pork barrel will still remain.

Likewise, they also urged President Aquino to really abolish the pork barrel system and just let the lawmakers do their law-making function.

The hackers identified themselves as the “Anonymous” who do not forgive, do not forget, feared by corrupt and supported by honest people. [PnA]

12 CLASSIFIEDS There’s a better way to get attention.

VOL. 6 ISSUE 117 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013

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Serving a seamless society

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Excellent daily Allowance plus exceptional Commission

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- Willing to work under pressure, flexible, persuasive, can speak fluently and computer literate - A team player - With Basic Salary, Transportation, Communication, allowance + Commission For interested applicants, you may send your resume to: HR Department EDGEDavao Doors 13 & 14 Alcrej B;dg., Quirino Ave., Davao City Tel. No. (082) 221-3601 Email: edgedavao@gmail.com

14 SPORTS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 117 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

Batang Pinoy 2013 opens today By nEiLWin JoSEPH L. BraVo

D

njb@edgedavao.net

AVAO del norte rolls out its red carpet welcome topped with its worldclass sports facilities to some 3,000 athletes as it hosts the 2013 batang Pinoy Mindanao Leg beginning today.

Governor rodolfo del rosario and his son rep.

Anthony del rosario of the first district and rep.

Anton Lagdameo of the second district will lead the reception of the host province. Also invited to the opening program are Philippine Olympic Committee president Peping Cojuangco, Philippine Sports Commission chairman richie Garcia, and

PSC commissioner Jolly Gomez.

The five-day event will serve as the qualifying school for the 2013 batang Pinoy Games set november this year in Zamboanga City.

The batang Pinoy Mindanao Leg is the biggest sports conclave staged at the newly-built Davao del norte Sports and Cultural Center which is set to host bigger events in the future beginning with the national Private Schools Athletic Association (PrISAA) Games in April 2014 and possibly, the 2015 Palarong Pambansa.

The 12-hectare DnSCC was inaugurated De-

cember 12 last year and hosted the Davao regional Athletic Association (DAVrAA) Meet last February.

Davao City, one of Mindanao’s sports powers despite the handicap of having no decent sports facilities at home, will be parading a 200-man contingent taking part in 15 events. Davao City sports coordinator butch ramirez, once the man in charge of running the country’s sports affairs, this time will be taking that challenge of reversing the fortunes of the Dabawenyos.

The Davao City delegation is composed

mostly of athletes from the ranks of the Department of Education and some national Sports Associations (nSAs) as well as non-nSAs in what is dubbed as a “Unity Team.”

According to the batang Pinoy 2013 calendar, the first leg or Mindanao Leg is scheduled in Tagum City, Davao del norte from Aug 27 to 31 while the second or Visayas Leg will be held in Maasin City, Southern Leyte from September 24 to 28. The national championships have been tabbed in Zamboanga City from november 19 to 23.

The batang Pinoy is open to all young Filipi-

nos whether by birth or naturalization.

Filipinos of mixed parentage may also join provided they have fulfilled all requirements and are submitted by local government units.

All participating athletes must present a certified true copy of birth certificate and must be endorsed by one local government unit coming from eitherthe governor, municipal mayor, sports coordinator or barangay chairman.

The 22 events in Mindanao are arnis, athletics, badminton, billiards and snookers, boxing, chess ,dancesport, futsal, gymnastics, judo, karatedo, lawn tennis, pencak silat, sepak takraw, soft ten-

nis, softball, swimming, taekwondo, table tennis, wrestling, weightlifting and volleyball for girls and boys.

In the Visayas leg, to be contested are arnis athletics, badminton, billiards and snookers, boxing, chess, dancesport, futsal, gymnastics (cheerdance), judo, karatedo, lawn tennis, pencak silat, sepak takraw, soft tennis, softball, swimming, taekwondo, table tennis, wrestling and volleyball.

The Luzon leg has 29 events with the addition of baseball, bowling, sailing, shooting and wushu.

The national championship has added basketball 3-on-3 for boys and girls and triathlon. (with a report from PnA)

BIG GAME JAMES IS BACK. James Yap of San Mig Coffee (18) lays in against Ryan Reyes of Talk N Text. Nuki Sabio

Arnis parents question Palazuelo on BPinoy P

ArEnTS of arnis players belonging to the A.L. navarro national High School affiliated with Arnis Philippines questioned the association’s regional commissioner Mario Palazuelo for the non-inclusion of their children to the batang Pinoy Mindanao leg which opens today in Tagum City, Davao del norte.

Writing under the collective name “Mga Ginikanan sa mga Arnis Players sa AL navarro nHS,” the nine (9) parents are now asking Palazuelo why their children were not given the chance to be considered or to undergo in an eliminations for the arnis team of Davao City to

the batang Pinoy Mindanao leg.

The letter addressed to Palazuelo on August 9, 2013, read: “Gusto lang namo ipaabot nganha kanimo ang among dakong kadismaya ug reklamo sa nahitabo karon sa among mga anak ug kanamo mismo. Sakit palandungon nga luyo sa kahago ug paningkamot sa among mga anak sa pagpraktis sa kada adlaw nga training, ug sa among mga nagasto sa amo intawn nga pagsuporta kanila aron mahimo silang hanas sa dula nga arnis kay man lagi mitoo me sa inyong giingon nga ang mga bata makaapil sa elimination sa batang Pinoy.”

INdulge!

VOL. 6 ISSUE 117 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

TRAVEL

Eden Nature Park’s flight of butterflies

Exploring Eden Nature Park’s Butterfly Garden.

WhEN oNE thinks of Eden Nature Park, one has visions of lush greenery, picturesque rolling gardens of flowers, the cool breeze with a whiff of pine and a grand view of Davao Gulf. These were the same images I had in mind but when Eden’s Guada dropped me a call and invited me on a new Eden adventure, I took the chance and went with it.

Just one of the many species of butterfly at the garden.

Walking up the steps towards the butterfly enclosure.

late Jesus Ayala ang his wife Fe collected for the resort and this can be seen at the garden’s visitor centre which has an exhibit of various preserved butterflies as well as stick insects, beetles and other adorable creepy crawlies.

The visitor centre also serves as an educational venue where visitors are is a set of enclosures where educated in the life cycles they tend to various spe- of insects as well as fac- The visitor center of the garden has various insect art as well as posters that educate the public on the cies of butterfly which the toids on what the insects lifecycles of insects and the kinds of insects who take residence at the Butterfly Garden. eat, how the propagate, the garden. butterfly chrysalis. Toucheven on identifying which The resident entomolo- ing it with my hand and is male and which is fe- gist also pointed out that feeling it actually pulsate male. butterflies are not the only was a magical experience After dropping by the residents of the Butterfly so much different than visitor centre it was a short Garden as he brought out just seeing it on a science climb up some stairs to some of the more shy resi- or biology text book and I the actual Butterfly Gar- dents, a couple of stick in- would totally recommend den which is enclosed in sects, which blend perfect- a visit. nets to keep the butterflies ly into the surroundings To get to Eden Nature from escaping, although by mimicking a plant’s Park’s Butterfly Park, you there are butterflies who twigs and branches. I was can just call the resorts My first time to hold a butterfly chrysalis. manage to escape and flut- also introduced to a cou- office at +82.2960791 or ter about outside of the ple of caterpillars and was visit their website at www.

Butterfly art at the visitor center. enclosure as well which finally able to see my first edennaturepark.com.ph. made me more excited.

Inside the garden, I was greeted by an explosion of wings for every step I took as there were butterflies of various kinds, colours and shapes. Some were literally so close I was able to touch them. The garden also had various colourful flowers that not only served as food for the butterflies, but This brown stick insect mimics a piece of twig.

A butterfly lands on my arms. also added to the beauty of Can you find the stick insect in the photo?

So there I was waiting for the new adventure but before that we had to make a detour to the resort’s Butterfly garden. I remember the guides before mentioning this less-visited area of the resort. Maybe its because it is a short walk up or its tucked in a quiet corner of the resort that not many people tend to notice it but it had been there for years already.

Eden’s Butterfly Garden

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

UP AnD ABOUT

VOL. 6 ISSUE 117 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013

STyLE

Catch Patti Austin Live in Davao on Sept 9 GRAmmy-winninG premier vocalist Patti Austin performs her mega hits like in my Life, Baby Come to me, Say you Love me, How Do you Keep the music Playing, Rhythm of the Street, All behind Us now, Smoke Gets in your Eyes, if i Believe, it might Be you, and many more, live in Davao.

S h e per forms together with the former lead vocalist of Sergio mendes, Joe Pizzulo who will serenade you with Sergio mendes’ biggest hits which he made popular such as never Gonna Let you Go, what Do we mean to Each Other, i’m never Gonna Give you Up, Let’s Give it A Little more This Time, Rainbow’s End, and some of his solo hits Take This Love.

Patti Austin and Joe Pizzulo Live is on September 9, 2013.

8 p.m. at the SmX Convention Center, Sm Lanang Premier, Lanang Davao City. Ticket Prices are at SViP 2,500, ViP 2,000 and GOLD 1,500. For ticket reservations you may call or text Ovation Productions at 09177007088, 09326376185, and 09434394995.

Globe Telecom wins four Stevie awards

Dressed for the holidays with Dorothy Perkins

By Kenneth Irving Ong

SEPTEmBER is just around the corner as Dorothy Perkins unveils their latest holiLEADinG telecommunications company Globe day looks of the season.

Telecom won four major awards in the prestigious 10thAnnual international Business Awards (iBA) or widely known as the Stevie Awards which honor achievements and positive contributions of organizations and individuals worldwide.

There were a total of 3,300 nominations globally from over 50 countries. Globe received two Gold Awards, one for GCASH American Express Virtual Pay launch campaign for easy and secure online shopping under the new Product or Service introduction of the year, and another for Tattoo Broadband’s marked for Greatness drive which won the marketing Campaign of the year for Telecommunications through Harrison Communications, inc.

The annual Tatts Awards which recognizes individuals and groups who use social media to make positive change in their community, bagged the Silver Stevie for Best Public Relations Event. On the other hand, the Globe my Fair Share Program grabbed the Bronze Stevie for Corporate Social Responsibility Program of the year in Asia, Australia, and new Zealand. my Fair Share empowers the communities being aided by Globe through livelihood opportunities and market access. “we are deeply honored to be recognized for our marketing and communication efforts by such a highly-respected organization. Once again, we have shown that Globe is a game changer and truly world class. Globe continues to drive innovation in the Philippines with its product offerings and services, consistently building a trusted global brand which our employees, subscribers, and various stakeholders are proud of,” said yoly C. Crisanto, Head of Globe Corporate Communications. winners were determined through two months of preliminary judging and two weeks of final judging. in the preliminary stage, judging was conducted by over 300 professionals worldwide. Their scores decided the entries eligible for final judging of members of the specialized committees which, on the other hand, determined the Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie Award placements.

The Stevie Awards, derived from the Greek word “crowned”, will be celebrated and the winners will be honored for their achievement at a gala banquet at the w Hotel in Barcelona, Spain on October 14, 2013.

Being that Dorothy Perkins is the brand that understands what the practical working woman wants and needs. you can be sure that these looks are sure to make heads turn when you and your girlfriends go on a night out in town or just chill out at the nearest coffee place without breaking the bank. new for the 2013 line are various knitted tops and jackets in more somber colours. what makes these tops stand out are the crystal embellishments that add a little sparkle and gam our to the overall look of the pieces.

Denim is always in, the introduction of camouflage printed pants as well as plaid skits add some texture and playfulness to the season.

The accessories still play on classic and tasteful lines with animal print or jewel tone accents. Also in for the season are geometric art deco inspired pieces that are easy to match with any look.

You can catch the Fall/Winter 2013 collection at the Dorothy Perkins store located at the Ground Floor of Abreeza Mall.

Knits and denim mix for FW13.

Art deco patterned clutch bags.

Camo jeans return as well as plaid skirts and leather motorcycle jackets.

These shoes are sure to make heads turn.

VOL. 6 ISSUE 117 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

EnTERTAinmEnT

Kathryn and Daniel named PH ‘Hottest Stars under 20’ PHiLiPPinE showbiz’s teen queen and king “Got To Believe” stars Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla were voted ‘Hottest Filipino Stars Under 20’ for 2013 in an online poll conducted by popular entertainment blog Starmometer, which was participated by thousands of fans on Facebook and Twitter.

Kathryn clinched the top spot with a total of 203,736 votes, followed by his love team partner Daniel who earned 148,415. incidentally, Kathryn and Daniel ranked 1 and 2, respectively, in the same online poll in 2011. meanwhile, the most romantic and highly anticipated Primetime Bida series of ABS-CBn “Got To Believe” i set to premiere this monday (August 26). The Cathy Garcia-molina-directed TV masterpiece will air nightly after “Juan dela Cruz.”

As a momentous treat to everyone who have been clamoring for Kathniel love team’s TV comeback, “Got To Believe” recently launched its special project: ‘G2B Army Color Fun Run.’ Due to bad weather, the run was re-

scheduled from August 25 to September 1 (Sunday). it will still take place at Aseana Business Park in Paranaque City. Assembly time is 7am.

The G2B Army is composed of thousands of Filipinos--young and young-athearts--who believe in the group’s main objective that is to create positive change to the country.

Only those with official race kits are allowed to take part in the”G2B Army Color

Fun Run.” never miss the beginning of the magical journey of love in “Got To Believe,” this monday, after “Juan dela Cruz” on ABS-CBn Primetime Bida.

For more exclusive updates, photos, or videos, log on to www.got2believe.abs-cbn. com and visit the show’s official social media accounts at www.facebook.com/G2B, and www.twitter.com/G2BGottobelieve.

Before the beautiful ending, Alden and Louise join Kagay-an Festival 2013 OnLy a matter of weeks before primetime television’s engrossing drama series comes to a close, mundo mo’y Akin’s Jerome and marilyn, played by Alden Richards and Louise de los Reyes respectively, leave the chaotic world of their romance and escape to the City of Golden Friendship to celebrate this year’s KagayAn Festival.

On August 27, Tuesday, Alden and Louise banner a Kapuso mall Show in the Atrium of Limketkai Center in Cagayan de Oro (CdeO) City. The on-screen starcrossed lovers are set to perform before their supporters beginning at 4pm together with the voice behind my Husband’s Lover’s theme “Help me Get Over,” Jonalyn Viray. “we are looking forward to visiting CdeO and celebrating the Kagay-An Festival with the Kagay-anons. more than taking a breather, it means a lot to us that we can personally thank our fans for their overwhelming support to mundo mo’y Akin,” shares Alden.

Scheduled on the same day, Kapuso hunk JC Tiuseco of afternoon prime maghihintay Pa Rin will be part of the Kagay-an float parade, which will traverse the ma-

jor streets of CdeO. Said parade starts at 6am alongside a live coverage brought by GmA news and Public Affairs of GmA TV CdeO. Come wednesday, August 28, Kagay-anons in Brgy. Balulang Covered Court, Cagayan de Oro City get a treat from with A Smile lead stars Christian Bautista, mikael Daez, and Andrea Torres in a Kapuso Barangayan at 2pm.

Christian, mikael, and Andrea are to cap off the festivities with a Kapuso night scheduled at 4pm of August 28 at Las Ramblas, Sm City CdeO. A number of Kapuso stars are also participating in the

annual Kagay-An Festival including Gabby Eigenmann and host Anna maris igpit who are to grace the miss Cagayan de Oro Coronation night in the Atrium of Limketkai Center today, August 24, at 6pm. meanwhile, sultry actress michelle madrigal together with Jeric Gonzales, male lead of GmA’s premiering afternoon drama series Pyra, join in the colorful PE Rhythmic Dance Festival at the Pelaez Sports Center on monday, August 26, starting at 7am.

The Kagay-An Festival is an annual feast in commemoration of the city’s patron saint, Saint Augustine.

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R-16 R.I.P.D. 2D Jeff Bridges, Ryan Reynolds PG 13

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A4 INdulge!

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 117 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013

EVEnTS

EDGEDavao Davao Partners

Stars, fruits, and crafts at Abreeza’s Kadayawan celebration

ThrouGhouT August, Davao’s Abreeza Mall was the place to be as it held its celebration of the city’s most anticipated annual event, the Kadayawan Festival! Its fantastic flurry of events, sales, and promotions for the month helped locals and tourists alike get in the vibrant Kadayawan mood.

A major Kadayawan attraction was the Mindanao Trade Expo 2013, held at the Abreeza Activity Center from August 5 to 18.

The Mindanao Trade Expo was a massive gathering of local artisans, craftsmen, and entrepreneurs, with a total of 132 merchants exhibiting handicrafts, woodworks, accessories, furniture, food products, and health and wellness finds.

Abreeza also teamed up with the Department of Tourism to present the first-ever Davao Fruit Craze, held at the ground floor Boardwalk from August 11 to 18. Shoppers feasted on durian, pomelo, mangosteen, jackfruit, watermelon, lanzones, mango, and rambutan, buying these treats by the kilo, snacking on sliced fruits, and loading up on candy varieties.

The height of Kadayawan excitement from August 16 to 18 was marked by a parade of stars at Abreeza’s Activitiy Center. on August 16, ABS-CBN idols Xian Lim, Maja Salvador, and Banana Nite cast members Angelica Panganiban, John Prats, Jason Gainza, ryan Bang, Melai Cantiveros, and Alex Gonzaga graced the Salamat Kapamilya Mall Show. August 17 saw Coca-Cola ambassadors Enchong Dee, Julia Montes, Kathryn Bernardo, and Joseph Marco thrilling fans

through handog happiness ng Coca-Cola. Capping off the Kadayawan weekend was the Kapuso Mall Show on August 18, featuring the stars of the upcoming GMA-7 primetime soap Akin Pa rin Ang Bukas, Lovi Poe, rocco Nacino, Charee Pineda, Cesar Montano, and Solenn heussaff.

Kadayawan season at Abreeza also meant fantastic promos and discounts!

In addition to the great Kadayawan Sale from August 12 to 18, Abreeza’s Fly Davao, Shop Abreeza promo gave travelers flying in for Kadayawan perks and freebies at participating Abreeza restaurants and gifted four lucky raffle winners with an overnight stay for two at Seda Abreeza hotel and Pearl Farm Beach resort. Plus, the Shop Ayala Malls, Travel Asia promo, which gives customers a chance to visit the most breathtaking destinations in the region, is still ongoing until September 30.

Abreeza’s August happenings sure made Kadawayan festivities even more fun! For updates and inquiries on Abreeza, please visit the official Ayala Malls website at www. ayalamalls.com.ph, like Abreeza’s official Facebook page at www.facebook. com/AbreezaMall, and follow @abreezatweets on Twitter and @iloveabreezamall on Instagram.

SPORTS 15

KNEE ‘DAL

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 117 •TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013

Nadal is surging but his knee is a question

n

EW YOrK (AP) -Ask rafael nadal how his famously troublesome left knee is feeling on the eve of the U.S. Open, and he’ll balk a bit while formulating a response. ‘’I am ...’’ the 12-time major title winner began, haltingly, during an interview with The Associated Press. ‘’You know ...’’ he resumed, before smiling sheepishly and pausing again.

Eventually, nadal offered something of a complicated answer. ‘’I have to say that I am

EYES ON THE PRIZE. Simona Halep defeated defending champion Petra Kvitova 6-2, 6-2 to win the WTA New Haven final.

SUPER SIMONA!

Halep tune up for US Open with win

n

EW HAVEn, Conn.

(AP) — Simona Halep upset defending champion Petra Kvitova 6-2, 6-2 on Saturday to win the new Haven Open, the final WTA tuneup for next week’s U.S. Open.

The 21-year-old Halep broke the 2011 Wimbledon champion on four consecutive service games. The first break gave her a 3-2 lead in the first set. The fourth put her up 3-0 in the second as she took complete control of the match.

She converted four of her five break points. Kvitova, ranked ninth in the

world, was 0-for-4 on her break chances.

It was Halep’s fourth career win, and all of them have come since June. The no. 23 ranked player in the world is now 29-5 in her last 34 matches (315 counting qualifying matches). She took home $117,000 for winning.

Halep doesn’t speak perfect English, but she knew what words to use when describing her game at the new Haven Open.

“I played very beautiful tennis today,” Halep said. “I was enjoying every moment.”

SITTING ON THE THRONE. Rafael Nadal has his sights on the final slam of the year.

very well, because the results have been amazing since I came back,’’ he said. ‘’If I say something else, (it) will sound strange.’’

That’s because when the year’s last Grand Slam tournament begins Monday, none of the players setting foot on the blue hard courts of Flushing Meadows possesses as much momentum - or is in as fine form - as the no.

2-seeded nadal. He’s won his past 10 matches heading into the first round against the 97th-ranked ryan Harrison of the United States.

Another past U.S.

Open champion on Monday afternoon’s schedule is 2000-01 winner Venus Williams, a former no.

1 now ranked 60th who will be taking on recent Wimbledon semifinalist and 12th-seeded Kirsten Flipkens of belgium. At night, Williams’ younger sister Serena, the defending champion, plays 2010 French Open winner Francesca Schiavone of Italy, while 17-time major champion roger Federer faces 62nd-ranked Grega Zemlja of Slovenia.

The biggest curiosity when it comes to nadal these days is how

his knees will hold up.

They’ve presented recurring problems for him over the years, particularly the left one, which kept him out of action from late June 2012 until February 2013. He missed the London Olympics, last year’s U.S. Open and this year’s Australian Open. ‘’I feel more comfortable now than six months ago, that’s for sure,’’ nadal said, then quickly added: ‘’but I still have pain some days.’’

He was asked whether he thinks that might be the case for the rest of his career.

Flawless Vettel wins Belgain GP T

FLAWLESS. Sebastian Vettel at the finish of the Belgian Grand Prix.

he red bull driver started second on the grid and was beaten to the first corner

by Hamilton, but Vettel used his KErS system to blast past his rival’s Mercedes going into the Les Combes chicane, just the fifth corner of the race.

Vettel never looked back, and there were no major on-track incidents or rain - despite grey skies and a gloomy forecast - to derail his procession to a fifth win of the season. The result stretches his championship lead to 46 points.

“It was a fantastic race for us from start to finish really,” he said after his 31st career win. red bull principal Christian Horner was overjoyed with the outcome.

“He (Vettel) had the momentum and was able to go around Lewis and that was the decisive moment,” he said.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 6 ISSUE 117 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013

OFFICIAL BALL. Karen Castro of Nike Athletic Club hands over the official Nike ball to Joey Marcelo, CEO of Sante International. Lean Daval Jr.

LGSA, UIC win in TRMH Cup T LIKE FATHER LIKE SON. Anfernee Digamon, son of television broadcaster and basketball enthusiast Jun Digamon of GMA Davao, in action for Davao Jones in the Sante Barley Inter-High School Basketball Tournament. Lean Daval Jr.

HE Lamb of God SPED Academy and University of Immaculate Conception debuted on a high note in the 4th royal Mandaya Cup Inter-school basketball Tournament eking out wins in dominating fashion on Sunday at the Davao City recreation Center Almendras Gym. LGSA routed Philippine Women’s College, 71 – 56, in Group A match while UIC clobbered Precious International School of Davao, 84 – 44 in Group b encounter in the resumption of the

tournament held in cooperation with Mayor rody and Vice Mayor Pulong Duterte.

Angelo bagay led the charge for LGSA drilling in 17 points, including seven straight points midway of the second period.

Jones Zambrano and Christian Dave Caseria contributed 12 and 10 points respectively for Edwin Villarente Jr-mentored LGSA which joins Ateneo de Davao University in Group A win column.

Jose Cabillan had 10 points for PWC.

UIC, one the other hand, leaned on to Shane Sim who top scored for the boy’s in white and pink with 16 baskets.

Faried Maguid and Elvin Castano chipped in 10 points respectively for UIC coached by Joel Mahilum.

Joshua reyes scored 10 for PISD. In the lone mini division match, Philippine Women’s College upset Assumption College of Davao, 88 - 39.

The tournament is sanctioned by the Samahang basketbol ng Pilipinas region XI. (rJb)