Edge Davao 6 Issue 122 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 122 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2013

www.edgedavao.net

Serving a seamless society

DAVAO’S FASTEST. Gary Dumbrique of Team Classic on his way to breaking the fastest quartermile record at Speed City at Riverfront Business Park in Maa on Sunday. Dumbrique broke his own record of 6.4 seconds twice with runs of 6.39 and eventually 6.35 seconds. Lean Daval Jr.

Solution to sidewalk vendors

NIGHT MARKET

By EMILORD P. CASTROMAYOR

UTTING up a night market in Davao City would be the best solution to the problem of large numbers of sidewalk vendors proliferating in city. That is the take of retired colonel Yusop Jimlani, chief of the Drainage Management Unit under the city mayor’s office. “With a night market..there will be fair competition among the vendors,” he said, adding, “I hope I can make it this end of month,” he added.

FNIGHT,10

Rody holds office at Quezon park

By EJ DOMINIC FERNANDEZ

ejf@edgedavao.net

O see the city from a grittier point of view, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte has set up office at Quezon Park in front of the city hall, and occasionally disguises himself as a taxicab driver at night. At about 11 a.m. yesterday, the entire city hall OFFICE IN THE PARK. Not even a busted electrical post transformer which building was plunged into semi-darkness after caused the entire City Hall building to be out of power supply a couple of hours FRODY,10 yesterday can stop Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte from serving constituents seeking

his assistance as he temporarily relocated his office to the Quezon Park during the power outage. Lean Daval Jr.

INSIDE: NBI chief Rojas resigns amidst controversy ‘We have to keep Napoles alive’ – Roxas TRMH-Duterte Agilas drop Pacman 90-79

2 4 14

2 THE BIG NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 122 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2013

NBI chief Rojas resigns amidst controversy N

ATIONAL Bureau of Investigation (NBI) director Nonnatus Rojas tendered his irrevocable resignation Monday as two of his men are poised to face an investigation for allegedly informing a high-profile fugitive of her impending arrest. A report on GMA News TV’s “Balitanghali” said a teary-eyed Rojas announced his resignation at a brief press conference inside his office Monday noon. He reportedly refused to entertain questions from reporters and immediately left after the briefing. Rojas’s resignation came in light of the investigation being conducted

on the bureau in connection with the alleged tip received by controversial businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles regarding her impending arrest over a serious illegal detention case. Two NBI officials who allegedly tipped Napoles off about her arrest are now under investigation following orders from President Benigno Aquino III. GMA News reporter Emil Sumangil quoted Rojas as saying that he resigned to give way to the investigation. NBI bureau chiefs and division heads, meanwhile, were surprised with Rojas’s decision. “Nabigla rin kami

nung narinig ko. Ngayon ko lang narinig na nag-tender nga sya ng resignation. Hindi ko pa alam kung ano ang susunod na mangyayari,” said Cecilio Zamora, NBI spokesman, an interview on “Balitanghali.” A separate report on “Balitanghali,” however, quoted Justice Secretary Leila de Lima as saying that she will ask Aquino not to accept Rojas’ resignation. Rojas took his oath as the 20th director of the NBI on July 25, 2012. A lawyer by profession, he was previously NBI officer-in-charge and chairman of the Regional Prosecutors Council. (GMA News)

NGCP warns versus ROW violations

By Emilord P. Castromayor

AWARD-WINNING. Davao City Police Office (DCPO) chief Ronald dela Rosa holds the plaques he received for winning the Achievement Award in the Field of Police Operations and the NHQ/DIPO Inter-Police Region-

al Offices Shooting Competition during yesterday’s awarding rites held at Camp Crame in Quezon City. (FB Photo)

Davao City uses habal-habal cops

OR many, habal-habal is a mode of transportation- a modified motorcycle with a extended seat to accommodate more backriders,

often ferrying passengers to and fro remote interior communities. But for the Davao City Police Office it has deployed cops disguised as habal-habal

NPA raids two firms in Surigao, North Cotabato

URIGAO CITY– Suspected New People’s Army rebels figured in two attacks over the weekend in Surigao del Norte and North Cotabato. The Police Regional Office in Caraga said six armed men believed to be rebels burned mining equipment owned by Silangan Mindanao Mining Company Inc. 8:40 a.m. last Saturday in Barangay Febra in Mainit town, Surigao del Norte. Police said the attackers burned one VIP5000 transmitter (induced polarization survey equipment), one Hon-

da KVA generator set, nine electric rods, four spools and a tent. Total damaged was pegged at P1,143,00.00. The alleged rebels also took the shotguns of security guards Nilo Macula and Danilo Daguman of Marilag Security Agency. Lt. Col. Vincent Iringan, commander of the 30th Infantry Battalion has not issued any statement pending an investigation. He said his troops are pursuing the attackers. Arrestio Tinglao, corporate communications

FNPA,10

drivers. They act as to gather intelligence and also if they have no passengers, they can act as first responders to

FDAVAO,10

private corporation that operates and maintains the country’s transmission network to reform the local power sector is asking help from local government agencies (LGUs) in implementing the right-of –way (ROW) in Mindanao because this is the main reason of frequent outages in many areas. Lawyer Cynthia Perez-Alabanza, head of Corporate Communications of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), cited common violations monitored, like planting of trees within ROW areas, grassfires near transmission facilities,

squatting and putting up structures under transmission lines, including kite flying that result in interruption of power delivery services. “All of these activities can distrupt the transmission of power and cause power outages. More importantly, they damage our lines and compromise the safety of the public,”she said during a press conference at the Yellow Fin restaurant yesterday. She also said that ROW violations are increasingly straining the company’s resources. NGCP also warns the public of the safety hazards for ROW violators

because the transmission lines are open lines that carry a minimum of 69,000 volts and a maximum of 500,000 volts. “You don’t even have to touch the lines to be electrocuted. Electricity induction occurs once the safe clearance is breached. In other words, if you get near enough, even without touching the lines, you are in danger of being electrocuted,” Alabanza said. Despite their continuing effort to educate the public on the risks of living under transmission lines, still ROW violations continue to happen.

NIGHT MARKET. Yusop Jimlani, head of Drainage Maintenance Unit and Demolition team of the City Mayor’s Office, discloses the plan to put up a night market for the city’s street vendors during yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

3 SUBURBIA

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 122 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2013

DAVAO ORIENTAL

Farmers receive livelihood support D

ETERMINED to pursue more profitable industries in Davao Oriental, the provincial government together with partner

agencies have recently distributed at least 125,000 cacao seedlings and about a hundred ‘carabaos’ as draft animals to rural farmers in towns

across the province. Rotchie Ravelo, assistant provincial agriculturist said that the 575 farmer beneficiaries for cacao have received 200 seed-

lings each. He explained that this assistance came from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPPAP) through its PAMANA pro-

TOP PRODUCER. Davao Oriental Gov. Malanyaon said the cacao industry shows a lot of potential and that Davao Oriental, within a few years, will become one of the top cacao producers in the country. [Eden Jhan Licayan]

STO. TOMAS, DAVAO DEL NORTE

MATI CITY, DAVAO ORIENTAL

HE Shared Service Facility (SSF) project of the Department of Trade and Industry in Davao Oriental (DTI-DO) is seen to boost the productivity of the province’s food processing association. The Davao Oriental Food Processors Association (DOFOODS), an organization of 34 local micro food processors, is into processing of fruits jams and jellies, puree and juices, candies, sweetened

gram (Payapa at Masaganag Pamayan), the Department of Agriculture RFU XI, and the provincial government’s Pagkain at Kita and Agri-Business Development Program. While PAMANA funded seedlings distributed in San Isidro town, the DA subsidized cacao seedlings in Boston to prop the provincial government’s rehabilitation program in typhoon-devastated agricultural areas. The provincial government, on the other hand, as part of its regular program, has financed the cacao seedlings distributed in Manay and Caraga. Ravelo revealed that the assistance is based on an ‘incentive-scheme’, wherein farmers who will exert effort in planting and show interest for the venture will receive additional assistance from the provincial government. “This is supposed to be a ‘plant-now- pay-later’ scheme, but Governor Malanyaon insisted that the initial seedlings should be given for free to help keep farmers focused and encouraged on

their farming,” he said. The cacao industry is one of the commodities being eyed by the provincial government to aggressively push as it aims to become the country’s top cacao producer. Ravelo said that in comparison to the erratic value of copra, farmers are assured of cacao’s favorable price especially for high-quality fermented beans. In the City of Mati, a Cacao Development Center has already been established by the provincial government to train interested farmers in the producing high-quality cacao beans, which has high demand in the global market. As the provincial government has already established tie-up with Mars Chocolate, one of the world’s leading chocolate manufacturers, the provincial government is bullish to develop this one promising industry that promises great upturn in revenue for the rural farmers and would hopefully spur economic development and arrest poverty incidence. [By Karen Lou Deloso]

DavNor private schools SSF project seen to boost food processors back passage of HB 241 T HE Davao del Norte Association of Private Schools (DNAPS) on Saturday expressed support for the passage of House Bill 241 filed by Compostela Valley 1st District Rep. Maria Carmen Zamora which aims to give additional income tax exemption to parents in order to ease their financial burden as the specialized senior high school programs will be fully implemented come 2016. Pastor Elias Cabagunay, president of the Davao del Norte Association of Private Schools, said that the passage of House Bill 241 will be of great help to parents as they will be given a tax break once the bill will be passed, adding that the additional two years of basic education of their children entails expenses also. “We do commend the initiative of Rep. Maria Carmen Zamora for understanding and taking into consideration the plight of the parents upon the implementation of K-12 program as the lawmaker’s proposed legislation seeks to give a “tax relief” to parents who are burdened already of pay-

ing high taxes to the government,” Cabagunay said. House Bill 241 seeks to amend Chapter Vll, Section 35 (B) of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC), as amended, to allow an additional exemption from P25, 000 to P50,000 for each taxpayer’s qualified dependents not exceeding four. As provided in Section 35(B) of Republic Act 9504, an additional exemption of 25,000 for each taxpayer’s dependent will be granted as long as it does not exceed beyond four dependents. Only one of the spouses, in case of married individuals, will be granted additional dependents for exemptions. However, Cabagunay said, private schools in Davao del Norte are still on the stage of determining whether or not they will offer specialized senior high school programs. He cited that private schools are still “struggling” by now and offering the aforesaid programs need thorough study and preparations in terms of physical, financial and human resources. [Mart Dumali Sambalud]

banana chips, peanut brittle, processed meat and fish products, dairy products, rice-based food products, cacao tablets, and ice cream. The project, which has a total cost of P1-M, is expected to address production gaps, to wit: limited capitalization which hinders the group to purchase the necessary machines, equipment, and facilities; and absence of upgraded and efficient machines and equipment

CASH FOR WORK FOR MONKAYO. Monkayo Mayor Joselito Brillantes receives the P 11.3 million Cash For Work check from DSWD Policy and Plans Division Chief Raquel E. Nuñez [2nd from right]. The funds will pay for the work rendered by families victimized by Typhoon Pablo. The DSWD Cash For Work program is one of the disaster relief interventions and is introduced during the Early Recovery Phase wherein a family head may work for ten

in the working area which is a requirement to become GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice)-certified. DTI-Davao Oriental provincial director Ma. Belenda Q. Ambi said such SSF is the first of its kind being established in Davao Oriental through the “Big Push for SME” initiative of DTI. “Micro as they are, their vision of establishing a processing center remained a remote

chance for them because of its huge investment requirement that is beyond their capacity. A standard processing center is all they need to fill the gap needed to conform with the requirements of food regulating agencies. Thus with the facility in place, food products from Davao Oriental can now compete with other food products in the market in terms of quality, availability and affordability,” she said. [DTI-DO]

days and will receive a daily wage of P226.00. Nuñez also handed over P 90,000 educational assistance for nine students of Monkayo. Also in photo are [L-R] Judith Uy of Monkayo College of Arts Science and Technology, [partly hidden] Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer Danielle De Leon and Barangay Captain Janet Diel of Olaycon. [DSWD/Carmela Cadigal-Duron]

4 NATION EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 122 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2013

MANILA

‘We have to keep Napoles alive to face the law’ – Roxas W

HILE snide remarks have circulated regarding the so-called “special treatment” given to Janet Lim-Napoles while being detained, Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas III Monday shrugged them off, saying it was better to have her alive than dead. Napoles, suspected brains of the P10 billion pork barrel scam was transferred from the Makati City Jail to Fort Sto. Domingo in Sta. Rosa, Laguna on an early Sunday after her lawyer Lorna Kapunan petitioned the court to do the transfer to the police camp for safety reasons. Since her transfer, Napoles’ blood pressure has climbed up while her sugar level dropped due to anxiety attacks and her fear of being confined or claustrophobia. Her air-conditioned room has also been removed although she is still provided with a re-

MANILA

frigerator to store her medicine (insulin) because she is diabetic. “We are [only] doing our job to make sure that Napoles will be alive to be able to face the whole process of the law,” Roxas said in Filipino. “[This is so that] the public will see that we do not take part in silencing her.” “If there is any information that is with her— there is a possibility that we can get it from her,” he added, shrugging off more comments about security for Napoles being described as “overkill”. Roxas further explained that it was not special treatment because Napoles was considered “VIP” but because the government want her alive to be able to contribute information or evidence in this scam. He added President Benigno Aquino III himself reminded him that

REPLICA. An employee of the Social Security System (SSS) shows to co-employees his galleon replica made of wood, bamboo and ropes, a handmade product of inmates from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology-National Capital Region (BJMP-NCR), among the various products sold in the if anything happened to Napoles, the case would be much harder to unravel.

“We will make sure that nothing bad happens to her [while detained] whether self-inflicted,

ters coastline length. Out of 76 provinces in the country, 55 are listed as coastal provinces. Industry data show that there are more than 4,000 ships in the domestic trade, most of which operate as passenger-cargo liners. “We are introducing this amendment to enhance the maritime industry, increase port revenues and expand employment opportunities for Filipinos,” said Paez. Bravo meanwhile emphasized that the measure will create a Foreign Vessel Financing Fund which will benefit Filipi-

no citizens and shipping companies owned by Filipinos. “This fund that shall be collected by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) will promote the development of indigenous ship acquisition capacity by providing financial assistance to Philippine operators in the domestic coastal shipping industry,” he explained. The foreign shipping companies that will engage in coastwise trading in the Philippines shall also employ local crew in their vessels, Bravo added. [PNA]

bazaar at the SSS main office compound in Quezon City as part of the agency’s 56th anniversary celebration that runs from September 2 to 6. [PNA photo by Luisito L. Iglesias] accidental or externally inflicted,” Roxas said. Meanwhile, he also said that the manhunt for

MANILA

Napoles’ brother, Reynald Lim who was also involved in the scam, continues. [PNA]

Bill filed to open PHL waters to foreign vessels Resumption of GPHC

OOP-NATCCO party list lawmakers filed a bill that seek to amend the cabotage provisions of the Customs and Tariff Code of 1978 or RA 1937 to open the Philippine waters to foreign vessels engaged in coastwise trade or cabotage. Representatives Cresente Paez and Anthony Bravo filed House Bill 2623 to amend Sections 902 and 905 of RA 1937 which limit the rights to engage in Philippine coastwise trade to “vessels carrying a certificate of Philippine registry”. The bill allows foreign

MANILA

vessels to engage in domestic coastal carriage of cargo and passengers within Philippine waters, or at any point within the waters of the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines. Paez contends that the cabotage provisions limit the maritime transfer of goods and passengers resulting to the deterioration of the maritime sector as the players become complacent because of the protection they expect from the government during challenging times. The Philippines has 235,937 square kilome-

Legarda: Let’s save more Filipino infants thru educated parenting

ENATOR Loren Legarda yesterday said that the country can continue to improve infant survival rate if parents, especially first-time mothers, are provided with right information and education on proper care for newborns and infants. Legarda noted that statistics from the Unit-

ed Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) showed the downward trend in the Philippines’ newborn and infant mortality rate. In 1990, neonatal mortality rate is at 23 deaths per 1,000 live births. It decreased to 14 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2010. For the same period, in-

fant mortality rate decreased from 42 deaths per 1,000 live births to 23 deaths per 1,000 live births. A study from the National Statistics Office revealed that “neonatal deaths stem from poor maternal health, inadequate care during pregnancy, inappropriate management of compli-

cations during pregnancy and delivery, poor hygiene during delivery and the first critical hours after birth, and lack of newborn care.” Legarda said that presented with these facts, there is a need to equip expectant parents with basic knowledge and skills that will foster effective parenting.

NDFP peace talks urged

AYAN Muna Representative Carlos Isagani Zarate “strongly reiterates the people’s call” for the resumption of the peace talks between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) in time with the celebration of the 10th National Peace Consciousness month. “The most concrete way of showing consciousness about peace is for the GPH and the NDFP to go back to the negotiating table and respect the previously signed agreements that served as the basis of the stalled talks,” said Zarate, particularly referring to the 21-year old Hague Joint Declaration that was signed by both parties on September 1, 1992. The Joint Hague Declaration outlined the scope and the four (4) sequential substantive agenda of the

GPH-NDFP peace negotiations. Zarate also expressed support for the peace caravan and rally initiated today by the inter-faith advocacy group Pilgrims for Peace and other civil society and people’s organizations pushing for the resumption of stalled talks “It is just unfortunate to note that the Aquino administration peace agenda is skewed and selective as reflected in President Aquino’s failure to even mention its progress during his recent State of the Nation Address (SONA),” said Zarate. The GPH-NDFP negotiations hit a snag in February 2011 following the government’s failure to release political prisoners, particularly the detained NDFP consultants, which was an agreed confidence-building measure in the resumption of the talks.

5 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 122 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2013

Globe Business updates IT-BPOs of its network transformation R

EAFFIRMING its continuous commitment to offer better solutions to its customers, Globe Business recently provided an update of its network transformation to the members of Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) during their General Members Meeting held at the Fairmont Hotel Makati. “We want to make businesses better. And that definitely includes making the lives of our clients and their ecosystem better as well,” said Nikko Acosta, the new Head of Globe Business Enterprise Group, as he described the very thrust that has defined the corporate arm of Globe all these years, adding that “the basic core offers will not work if we do not have a very strong network. It is to this end that Globe Business is boldly undertaking the network upgrade head on.”

Acosta shared that the transformation is currently taking place in three key areas: access or mobility, fiberized transport, and full IT connectivity. Focusing on these elements translates to wider coverage, clearer calls, prompt text messaging and faster internet browsing for consumers. Because of the great magnitude and capital expense of turning this vision into reality, he acknowledged that the transformation is being experienced at varying levels. He told IBPAP members that Globe Business is working in step with them, assuring that “we are aligned with your vision to make sure that at the end of the day, business will be good, with our network’s vastly-improving connectivity providing the means.” Acosta confirmed that Globe is currently embarking on building more sites, boosting in capacity and enhancing

SHOPPING TIME. Business reporter Lovely Carillo checks out the native handbags at the exhibition area of My City My SM My Crafts, a celebration of traditional arts and modern Philippine design, at the Annex of SM City Davao yesterday. Lean Daval Jr. network performance with the change-out of old equipment nationwide generally completed. To date, almost 75%

the network is already on 4G HSPA+, providing faster mobile browsing experience for customers, including enterpris-

es and businesses. More than 8,000 kilometers of fiber optic cables were likewise added to the existing Globe fiber op-

tic cable infrastructure as the company continues to expand its optical and all IP Transport network nationwide.

THE ECONOMY

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 122 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

Veterans Bank formally launches multi-functional ATM/ID Card A

S part of its business expansion plan for the remainder of the year 2013, local commercial banking player Philippines Veterans Bank (PVB) offers a new innovative and value-added service to its clientele called the VeteranTeller All-inOne ATM/ID Card. A first of its kind in the market today, the All-in-One ATM/ ID Card serves several functions – ATM Card, Debit Card, Company ID, as well as Employees’ Time-in/Time-out Card working in conjunction with PVB’s proprietary timekeeping kiosks and bio-metric systems (customized in-house by the bank’s product development group). As an additional security function, the VeteranTeller All-in-One ATM/ ID Card features a barcode that can be swiped at the timekeeping kiosk. The VeteranTeller multi-functional card acts as a regular ATM Card that can be used to perform various banking transactions like cash withdrawals, balance inquiries, and bills payments via BancNet, Megalink and ExpressNet. It also acts as a Debit Card that can be used to purchase goods or services from several retail establishments. According to PVB’s VP for Corporate Communications, Miguel Villa-Real, “This product has undergone several improvements since it was introduced. I would characterize it as a collaborative effort with our clients because we really went deep and

tried to understand what they needed to make their operations more efficient. At PVB, we believe in growing with our clients. Their success is our success as well.” First implemented in certain local governement clients of the bank as a test market, PVB sees expanding the target market to include other local government units as well as government-owned and -controlled companies (GOCCs). In the near future, the bank is looking

into offering this specific product to cater to medium enterprise-sized clients as well. “More and more clients in the private sector are availing of this product. Not only does it create efficiencies because of reduced costs in human resource and administrative work, but some of our early adaptor clients have said that the system also boosts productivity because of stricter monitoring and the reduction in ‘slack periods’. All these benefits

just by maintaining an account with PVB,” Villa-Real added. Veterans Bank is a private medium-sized commercial bank owned by over 400,000 Filipino World War II veterans and their families. The bank caters to both corporate and retail financial markets, and is also an authorized government depository. Recently, former Finance Secretary Roberto de Ocampo, OBE, was elected as the bank’s chairman.

OW does the Department of Tourism (DOT) help the local tourism industry players capture markets all over the world without them having to go abroad? This question is best answered by the Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX), which brings the world’s leading foreign travel agents to Manila to do business with local players instead of the other way around. That exactly is what the 12th PHITEX is about to accomplish when DOT marketing arm Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) stage it at the SMX Convention Center Manila on Sept. 4 to 6. And as if this so-called travel-trade or industry marketing is not enough, the TPB is making PHITEX 2013 include educational seminars that will enable the local firms adapt to new and emerging demand trends in

global tourism. PHITEX Secretary General and TPB Chief Operating Officer Domingo Ramon C. Enerio III said the one-day educational seminar would focus on increasing global market capture, from one specific country to another. “Thus, the PHITEX seminars will enable the local participants to meet the requirements of their various foreign counterparts,” Enerio said. Scheduled on Sept. 4 with plenary sessions in the morning and breakout sessions in the afternoon, the seminars will present the online strategies and use of social media for tourism marketing, the hallmarks of 21st century tourism marketing management, the digital and social media marketing landscape in Korea, Japan and China, the analysis of and updates on the French, Taiwanese, Hong Kong,

Italian, American, Russian, Australian, Indian and Singaporean markets, the demand prospects in short-haul markets like Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam, the ways to grow the Korean market, the positioning of the Philippines as the dive center of Asia, and the importance of route development in achieving the 10 million visitor arrivals set by the DOT. Invited as resource persons and speakers for the seminars are consultant Tof Salcedo of Fiera de Manila Inc., director Therese Necio-Ortega of TNO Link Concepts, general manager Allen Kristian Vasquez of Innovative Systems & Technology Alliance Inc., internet travel consultant Masahiro Takahashi of Rakuten Travel Singapore Pte Ltd, tourism resources director Youxin Lin of Beijing Tuniu International Travel Service Co. Ltd,

promotions manager Guillaume Le Menn of Interface Tourism, managing director Serena Valle of Interface Tourism Italy, and the various tourism directors/ attaches and market representatives all over the globe. “Following the full-day seminar will be the TRAVEX (Travel Exchange) on September 5, with some 150 wholesale travel agents from all over the world having a whole-day one-on-one business transaction with their local counterparts from all sectors the travel and tourism industry,” Enerio said. Invited foreign buyers of travel services will come from Korea, Japan, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Australia, North America, Canada, Europe, Russia, the Middle East, India and the member-countries of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). [By Joy Gador]

POWER PLAN. Fernando Javier, Mindanao System Planning division head of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), presents the firm’s Transmission Development Plan during

NGCP’s Power 102 session and press briefing yesterday held at Yellow Fin in Quimpo Blvd., Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

PHITEX seminars to show the way to thriving tourism H

7.5

percent

Growth of the Philippine economy for the second quarter of 2013, from 6.3 percent recorded the previous year. This boosts the 2013 first-semester growth to 7.6 percent, up from 6.4 percent in the first half of 2012. According to Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, this is the fourth consecutive quarter that the GDP has been expanding above 7 percent. The country has been experiencing growth of above 6 percent since the first quarter of 2012.

13,966 Target number of permanent disaster-resistant homes to be built in Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental by the end of the year for the victims of typhoon Pablo. The rehabilitation project is spearheaded by the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the local governments of the two provinces. More houses are set to be built next year.

20,000

pesos

Amount that can be availed by teachers and nonteaching personnel who were directly affected by tropical storm Maring and the habagat monsoon rains by means of a calamity loan from the Department of Education. The loan is payable in 24 equal monthly installments for two years.

SCIENCE/ENVIRONMENT 7

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 122 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2013

Climate change driving spread of crop pests C

LIMATE change is helping pests and diseases that attack crops to spread around the world, a study suggests. Researchers from the universities of Exeter and Oxford have found

crop pests are moving at an average of 3km (two miles) a year. The team said they were heading towards the north and south poles, and were establishing in areas that were once too cold for them to

live in. The research is published in the journal Nature Climate Change. Currently, it is estimated that between 10% and 16% of the world’s crops are lost to disease outbreaks. The research-

ers warn that rising global temperatures could make the problem worse. Dr Dan Bebber, the lead author of the study from the University of Exeter, said: “Global food security is one of the major challenges we are go-

ing to face over the next few decades. “We really don’t want to be losing any more of our crops than is absolutely necessary to pests and pathogens.” Trade transport To investigate the problem, the researchers looked at the records of 612 crop pests and pathogens from around the world that had been collected over the past 50 years. These included fungi, such as wheat rust, which is devastating harvests in Africa, the Middle East and Asia; insects like the mountain pine beetle that is destroying trees in the US; as well as bacteria, viruses and microscopic nematode worms. Each organism’s distribution was different - some butterflies and insects were shifting quickly, at about 20km (12 miles) a year; other bacterium species had hardly moved. On average, however, the pests had been spreading by 3km each year since 1960. “We detect a shift in their distribution away form the equator and towards the poles,” explained Dr Bebber, The researchers be-

lieve that the global trade in crops is mainly responsible for the movement of pests and pathogens from country to country. However, the organisms can only take hold in new areas if the conditions are suitable, and the researchers believe that warming temperatures have enabled the creature to survive at higher latitudes. Dr Bebber said: “The most convincing hypothesis is that global warming has caused this shift. “One example is the Colorado potato beetle. Warming appears to have allowed it to move northwards through Europe to into Finland and Norway where the cold winters would normally knock the beetle back.” The researchers said that better information about where the pests and pathogens were and where they were moving was needed to fully assess the scale of the problem. “We also need to protect our borders, we have to quarantine plants to reduce the chances that pests and pathogens are able to get into our agricultural systems,” added Dr Bebber.

kick-start biology billions of years ago than the early Earth was. The evidence is based on how the first molecules necessary for life were assembled. Details of the theory were outlined by Prof Steven Benner at the Goldschmidt Meeting in Florence, Italy. Scientists have long wondered how atoms first came together to make up the three crucial molecular components of living organisms: RNA, DNA and proteins. The molecules that combined to form genetic material are far more com-

plex than the primordial “pre-biotic” soup of organic (carbon-based) chemicals thought to have existed on the Earth more than three billion years ago, and RNA (ribonucleic acid) is thought to have been the first of them to appear. Simply adding energy such as heat or light to the more basic organic molecules in the “soup” does not generate RNA. Instead, it generates tar. RNA needs to be coaxed into shape by “templating” atoms at the crystalline surfaces of minerals. The minerals most effective at templating RNA would have dissolved in

the oceans of the early Earth, but would have been more abundant on Mars, according to Prof Benner. Red or dead This could suggest that life started on the Red Planet before being transported to Earth on meteorites, argues Prof Benner, of the Westheimer Institute of Science and Technology in Gainesville, US. The idea that life originated on Mars and was then transported to our planet has been mooted before. But Prof Benner’s ideas add another twist to the theory of a Martian origin for the terrestrial biosphere. [BBC]

for ivory, which has led to the decimation of elephant herds in Africa and Asia. BingBing took time out from shooting her latest film to join the Elephant Parade, which asks artists to design and hand paint a life-size model of a baby elephant for display in openair exhibitions. Bingbing’s elephant, which is being displayed in Dana Point, California,

is a sad-eyed baby painted with a tree from which exactly 100 apricot flowers bloom-symbolizing freedom of thought and expression. The Asian elephant population is believed to have shrunk to less than 3,500, from 35,000 in 1960. The situation in Africa is just as grim. Earlier this year, Bingbing travelled to Kenya to highlight

the recent spike in poaching in Africa. “Many consumers in Asia do not realize that by buying ivory, they are playing a role in the illegal wildlife trade and its serious consequences,” she said during the trip. “As global citizens, we need to take responsibility by learning more about the potential impacts of our lifestyle choices.”

A team of researchers looked at more than 600 pests, including the Colorado potato beetle.

Paje backs more rain water catchments to help address flood

NVIRONMENT and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje throws full support in constructing more water catchments in upstream portions of the country to serve as an immediate solution to flood disasters and to enable irrigation in downstream areas during the dry season. Paje said the establishment of additional catchments or small water impounding dams or SWIDs is part of the physical development plan which the Cabinet cluster on climate change is proposing not only to guide physical expansion but also to help improve the country’s resilience to global warming and climate-related disasters. He said rainwater harvesting facilities like SWIDs are proven effective for managing rainwater, which can be used as a supplemental source of water for irrigation. “Rainwater can be managed as a resource if it is captured upstream and use it during summer for agriculture,” Paje said. Paje cited the case of the municipality of Muñoz in Nueva Ecija as an example of how rainwater can be beneficial to an agricultural com-

munity by significantly increasing its rice production. Meanwhile, the environment chief said the government, through the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), is planning to build a water catchment dam in the upstream area of the Marikina watershed. He said the proposed water catchment dam doubles as a flood-mitigating measure to improve the level of preparedness of vulnerable communities surrounding the watershed area and as a source of irrigation water during summer months. “The idea is to catch the water when it is available and to release it when it is needed like, for example, during the dry season for agriculture use,” Paje explained. However, Paje clarified that the construction of SWIDs and other water catchment facilities was only supplementary to the overall objective of increasing the carrying capacity of the country’s watershed areas through massive and sustained reforestation under the Aquino administration’s National Greening Program.

Earth life may have come from Mars, say L

IFE may have started on Mars before arriving on Earth, a major scientific conference has heard. New research supports an idea that the Red Planet was a better place to kick-start biology billions of years ago than the early Earth was. The evidence is based on how the first molecules necessary for life were assembled. Life may have started on Mars before arriving on Earth, a major scientific conference has heard. New research supports an idea that the Red Planet was a better place to

UNEP ambassador uses sculpture to highlight plight of Asian elephant G

LOBAL film star Li Bingbing, the UN Environment Programme’s National Goodwill Ambassador for China, has joined dozens of other celebrities and artists to create a sculpture highlighting the plight of the Asian elephant for an art exhibition. The actress had already joined UNEP in its campaign to reduce demand

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 122 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2013

EDITORIAL

Unlicensed organizers

OW that the Kadayawan is over, it’s time to look at some of the lowdowns of the annual event, particularly in some of the accredited events handled by private organizations. There were some events which were a blot on an otherwise successful staging of the event but these unfortunate happenings need a second look in order that we do not commit the same mistakes again. Take the case of the alleged game-fixing incident in the biggest sports component of the Kadayawan—the invitational basketball tournament—where sportsmanship and fair play gave way to selfish schemes that ruined the essence of competition and in the process disrespected organizing city officials in whose name and honor the tournament was staged. Teams competing in sports events always owe it to the spectators who come to be entertained in times of merriment like the Kadayawan. In the same breath, people invest time and money to build a team that will play to win, not to lose. Another rude awakening in the recent Kadayawan was the handling of events by certain entities. There were complaints in some events like for example, one judo tournament handled by a private association which got funding from the city government. Instead, this local event organizer charged entry fees from par-

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ticipants when they had no need to. Worse, the payments were not properly receipted, resulting in the shabby way the event was staged. One question needing a valid answer: Why did the city government or any of its divisions deal with private groups organizing events without a business permit or license to do so? We thought the city government is promoting licensing and permit acquisitions by those doing business in the city, including event organizers. It betrays the policy of promoting order where people are allowed to transact with government and handle public funds without having a license or permit as a legitimate tax-paying entity. And now to the question on how the city government will run after these lousy organizers, we can only sigh in disgust. These organizers have to liquidate what they received and how they spent the people’s money. These may just be pocket events, but collectively, if not managed right, the damage will amount to a major scam in these era of scams. How many times over will this happen at the expense of people’s money? It is high time the city deals with the right entities as partners in festivals like the Kadayawan, otherwise, the festive celebration would lose its luster and sheen.

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EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 122 •TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2013

Spokening English

had lunch with some friends from the BPO industry recently and it was notable how all of them had the same complaint - that it is becoming increasingly difficult to fill their manpower needs. Not that there’s a shortage of applicants mind you, just take a look at the attendance of almost every job fair and you know that there are thousands - millions - of Filipinos looking for jobs. The problem, or so they tell me, is that the applicants lack the requisite english skills to land the job. While it is true that almost all Filipinos are able to speak and understand english, there is still a big difference between what we are taught in schools and what is needed by the BPO industry. From the moment we enter preschool, we are told to “see spot” and to “see spot run.” As we progress through elementary and high school we are given the ‘english-only rule’ and drilled on how to diagram a sentence. By the time we graduate from college and enter wherever it is we go once we’re done with school, it is presumed that we have mastered the language of our colonizers to the point that we can express our thoughts fluently - if not intelligently - in our adoptive mother-tongue. For many years the formula worked. In fact it worked so well that Filipinos were able to work in other countries, not just because they knew what they were doing, but also because they were able to communicate it in english. At home, being able to speak good nay, perfect - english became a mark of

VANTAGE POINTS

sophistication and breeding, used not just let people know what we are thinking, but also to demonstrate a higher ‘intelligence.’ Which, on a side note, could easily be dispelled if we only took the time to listen to half of what comes out of people’s mouths. But going back to what I was saying about the BPO industry and its problems with getting good english speakers. As I mentioned, the problem is in the quality - not quantity - of applicants. Which is sad because it means that there is a systemic failing in how we train our workforce. How is it that an industry that contributes to the economy almost as significantly as the overseas Flipino workers - with the added bonus of keeping our compatriots on our own shores - is not given the attention that it needs to train its people properly? True, there are efforts from the government to address the problem. I know that TESDA for one is actively engaging with those in the BPO sector in order to enhance the training of call center agents, and transcriptionists, and whoever else in the industry needs it. But what of those people who can’t

get a foot in with one of the call centers? You know, those applicants that can’t for the life of them string together a noun and a verb to form a proper sentence. Or those who can speak english, but whose accent is so heavily stilted that you might as well be able to smell the bagoong and tuyo in their breath as they try to pretend that they are some hick operator from Anywheresville, Georgia in the good ole U.S. of A. And lets face it, these are the majority of the applicants. These are the unhirables - the thousands who don’t even make it into the training program of our call centers. These are the casualties of an educational system that fails to see the great opportunity that lies ahead. An opportunity not just for the students and future applicants, but for the schools and universities as well. How about introducing a new course on English For the BPO Industry, with subjects that address the unique challenges of this growing sector. Isn’t it about time we realize that the growing interconnectedness of the global community through advances in technology will make the BPO industry one of the most important drivers of economic growth for the country. Thirty years ago when the overseas employment markets opened up, Filipinos and our skill in english allowed us to dominate the industry. Now, as another frontier opens up, once again our ability to speak english - the right kind of english - that will be the key.

against the US dollar. Stocks, too, had been skidding. Unfazed by an impending economic slowdown, financial managers and economic experts vowed to push for continued improvement of the country’s fiscal space to increase infrastructure investments and sustain the strong growth momentum. Officials think the above Gross Domestic Product (GDP) 6% growth rate makes a strong case to differentiate the Philippines from other emerging market economies, which tend to be resource-driven and export-dependent. Still, spoilsport economists say our market is not very good and only looks like that way on the surface. Amid the precarious global markets, our key officials remained confident that market players will recognize the country’s strong fundamentals such as stable inflation, strong external position, banking system and well-managed fiscal standing. Besides, they point out that prudent economic policy is topped by a reform-oriented leadership with a very strong mandate. In a situation where the economic climate is uncertain, authorities provide a guide like striving more to sustain economic strength by continuing to increase fiscal space to further accelerate infrastructure investments and property de-

velopment. Government prefers to think the present challenges are typical of an emerging market, not just because it’s the Philippines. They have the commitment to sustain the impetus therefore they’re pushing key reforms to improve the investment environment and continue to fight against corruption, revenue leakages and vested interests that prevent the country from reaching its full potential. But that offers little comfort to investors. For the country’s market to fully emerge, government has to address their concerns – exports, which were supposed to go up as the currency went down haven’t met expectations, exports are little change in US dollar, unabated fuel price adjustments have hurt, weak domestic demand, peace and security situation among others. “The last quarter of the year will be the most challenging in terms of economic reverberation,” private economists say in the country’s annual economic outlook. The government still faces interlocking problems – political turmoil emanating from the multi-billion P10 billion Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) fund scam linking key members of Congress, record high unemployment, creeping poverty situation and security threat. However, if there are bright spots in the country’s economy, then higher authorities are in a position to exploit them to its advantage. Remember, no one, not even the bestrun economies will be insusceptible, and no one will be able to count on a fast recovery. That’s a sobering economic reality – even for the confident, prominent and proudest of bureaucrats. Take note, gentlemen!

Sober economic reality

RESENT SITUATION OFFERS LITTLE COMFORT TO INVESTORS – A lot needs to be done. That’s something we see much of in the Philippines. What happened? The ongoing unpredictability in global financial market resulted to the slowdown in growth forecasts for the country and several economies in Asia and the ASEAN region. It is perhaps understandable that some renowned ratings agencies noted that fears for another financial crisis in the region has surfaced as capital flights continue to hurt stock markets and currencies in Asia and the ASEAN Growth Triangle. In contrast, despite the tight economic situation Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and government economists are pleased with the country’s economy these days and with good reasons. Top officials are optimistic still, saying the robust domestic economic growth was achieved amid volatility in global markets. However, many questions arise. In the wake of a currency devaluation and stock market decline, can the Philippine still be regarded as a haven for investors? Like what I’ve said previously, no man is an island neither is the Philippines, economically. Despite its reputation as one of the largest domestically driven economies along with China and Indonesia and a fortress against economic uncertainty, the country has proven in recent weeks to be susceptible to the same ills that have infected other neighboring economies. True, the country has the sniffles while other regional economies are in the intensive care. Look, the peso has been weakening – it has depreciated in the last three weeks – over the P44 level

Seaweeds as good source of iodine SPECIAL FEATURE BY HONOR BLANCO CABIE

(Conclusion)

GAR is used in foods such as confectionery, meat and poultry products, desserts and beverages and molded foods while carrageenan is used in salad dressings and sauces, dietetic foods, and as a preservative in meat and fish products, dairy items and baked goods. Seaweeds are popular in many Asian plates. In at least three countries – Japan, China and Korea – nori, zicai and gim are sheets of dried porphyra used in soups or to wrap sushi. In Japan, seaweed eaten as nori is known as a remedy for radiation poisoning. Chondrus crispus (commonly known as Irish Moss or carrageenan moss) is another red alga used in producing various food additives, along with kappaphycus and different gigartinoid seaweeds. But beyond the dining table, herbalists and dentists separately say alginates are used in wound dressings, and production of dental molds. Others say in microbiology research, agar -- a plant-based goo similar to gelatin and made from seaweed -- is extensively used as culture medium. Carrageenans, alginates and agaroses (the latter are prepared from agar by purification), together with other lesser-known macroalgal polysaccharides, also have several important biological activities or applications in biomedicine, according to experts. Seaweeds may have curative properties for tuberculosis, arthritis, colds and influenza, worm infestations and even tumors. Others say seaweed extract is used in some diet pills.while other seaweed pills exploit the same effect as gastric banding, expanding in the stomach to make the body feel more full. According to experts, other seaweeds may be used as fertilizer, compost for landscaping, or a means of combating beach erosion through burial in beach dunes. They add that alginates enjoy many of the same uses as carrageenan, and are used in industrial products like paper coatings, adhesives, dyes, gels, explosives and in processes such as paper sizing, textile printing, hydro-mulching and drilling. They underline however some health risks, saying rotting seaweed is a potent source of hydrogen sulfide, a highly toxic gas, and has been implicated in some incidents of apparent hydrogen-sulphide poisoning. Rotting seaweed can also cause vomiting and diarrhea. Past the first semester of 2013, what are the prospects for seaweed production in the country, given the worldwide demand for processed seaweed and carrageenan? Official sources say seaweed production in the country faces bright prospects. They point out that the government has allocated more funds in the 2013 budget to provide for technical training and input assistance to farmers, build infrastructure and postharvest facilities, establish seaweed nurseries, and increase the seedlings available to farmers. The Dept. of Agriculture has identified 255,000 hectares nationwide as potential seaweed farms. Its Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, in partnership with the Seaweed Industry Association of the Philippines, is expanding seaweed hectarage. Major seaweed producers are Tawi-Tawi, Sulu, and Sarangani, which harvested a total 686,450 metric tons in 2011. The industry provides livelihood to over 100,000 families nationwide. Seaweeds, however they are called in different areas of the archipelago, come from a mass growth of marine algae from natural stock or from pond culture. Red and brown seaweeds, grown in large commercial quantities, are used to manufacture three seaweed colloids for agricultural use: agar, alginates, and carrageenan. Seaweeds produced commercially are red seaweeds of the indigenous Eucheuma cottonii and Euchema spinosum variety. Sources say they are a good source of colloidal materials for gelling agents, emulsifiers, stabilizers in pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food products, and are an important food item, fertilizer and animal feed. In the meantime, Tessie, Evelyn, Perlita, Lenie, Rosemarie and Jeanie wait for the seaweeds to enrich their dining tables. [PNA]

10 NEWS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 122 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

Night... FFROM 1

Jimlani said they are looking for a place that would not hamper the flow of traffic. He identified Roxas Boulevard, Magsaysay Park and some areas in Bankerohan as the possible areas for a night market. Jimlani who also heads the demolition team, said during yesterdsy’s Kapehan sa SM that they have listed more or less 3,500 vendors in the city based on the attendance who joined the meeting at Almendras gym last week. “We are already making a template on what particular areas these vendors have been selling,” he said. He is presently coordinating with stakeholders, such as the Business Bureau, City Legal Office, City Health Office and other implementing partners for the night market.

He already told the Mayor of his plan. Last year, the city’s tourism sector had proposed the possibility of holding weekend night markets that will be called Peoples’ Mart, similar to those in other countries like Malaysia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, etc. They had their street clearing operation last August 23 on San Pedro St, Bankerohan and other common areas where `illegal vendors are /selling. He cited the resiliency of the team against the stubborn vendors. “On a scale of 1 to 10, we are at 1 or ten percent accomplishment,” he said. Mayor Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the removal of erring sidewalk vendors whose presence has a negative effect on businesses wanting to invest in the city.

electricity was cut off due to a busted transformer nearby and Mayor Rodrigo Duterte was forced to hold office temporarily at Quezon Park in front of the building. “Something must have gone wrong somewhere,” Duterte told members of the media, and that Davao Light and Power Company was doing its best to fix it, hopefully before nightfall.

He said it was not the first time he did his job as mayor at the park, especially during renovation work was being done to the city hall. Besides working at the park, he also admitted that he occasionally drives a taxicab at night, as shown in a photo which went viral online. “I have to drive a taxicab to earn extra money to feed two families,” he

said in jest. “The salary of a mayor is not enough.” The truth is that he drives a taxicab at night “to see the true situation of Davao, because people wouldn’t be candid with me if I roam around with bodyguards and pickup trucks,” he said. He added that he had done this many times in the past.

manager of Silangan Mindanao Mining told MindaNews they will release a statement soon. Silangan is a subsidiary of Philex Mining and is expected to start operations by 2017. In October 2011, communist rebels launched simultaneous attacks on three mining companies in Claver, Surigao del Norte. They burned over a hundred heavy equipment and some buildings and sank several boats owned by the mining firms. At around 8 p.m. Sunday some 30 NPA rebels torched the processing plant, office and warehouse of a rubber company in Barangay Talun-talunan in Makilala, North Cotabato. The attack led to the death of an employee of the Standard Rubber Development Corp. (Standeco) and the wounding of another when a roadside bomb went off, according to Lt. Nasrullah Sema, chief of the civil military operations of the 57th Infantry Battalion. Sema said the reb-

els were onboard two Isuzu trucks when they raided Standeco. Few hours later, a roadside bomb allegedly planted by the rebels went off and killed Hector Lalaguna and injured Francisco Andap, both employees of Standeco who were on their way to the site for an inspection. Sema said the victims were onboard a Standeco pickup truck when the bomb went off. Lalaguna who was seated at the back died on the spot, while the driver, Andap, was seriously injured. Sema said the rebels might have mistaken the company truck for a military vehicle responding to the attack. “The rebels also saw the headlights. When they saw a vehicle was approaching, they immediately blew off the landmine,” he said, adding extortion could be the motive behind the arson. He also considered the controversies behind the decline in the prices of rubber as

among the motives. The rebels earlier issued a statement accusing some businessmen and companies as behind the alleged cartel or monopoly of the rubber industry in North Cotabato. Sema condemned the attack saying it was the handiwork of a “group of bandit”’. “With what the NPAs had done, they did not think of the future of the people in Makilala and the dreams of the children of Standeco workers. There is a big possibility that the rubber industry in Makilala will die with what happened,” he said. Police and military personnel have launched pursuit operations against the attackers believed to be members of the NPA Front 72 led by a certain Felix Armodia a.k.a. Commander Jing. Sema said the rebels fled towards Tulunan town via Barangay Santa Filomena, Makilala onboard the Isuzu trucks. (Roel N. Catoto and Malu Cadelina Manar/MindaNews)

Rody... FFROM 1

NPA... FFROM 2

CRIME PREVENTION WEEK. Atty. Francis Brion (right) of the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) together with PS1 Andrea Dela Cerna of Tugbok Police Station discusses the details of the activities lined-up for the

celebration of the 19th National Crime Prevention Week slated from September 1-7, 2013 during yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

Brownouts back in parts of Mindanao H

ERE comes the brownouts again in some parts of Mindanao. Daily rotating brownouts lasting up to six hours are once again back in South Cotabato and Sarangani provinces and the cities of General Santos and Koronadal due to the lack of power supply in the Mindanao grid. Santiago Tudio, South Cotabato I Electric Coop-

erative, Inc. (Socoteco-I) general manager, said in an advisory Monday that its service area has a deficit of 12.3 megawatts (MW), or equivalent to three to six hours rotational load curtailment. “We appeal for your understanding as we again face power generation deficiency. Some of our power plants are undergoing maintenance repairs that resulted in the

reduction of the Mindanao generation capacity,” he said. Tudio noted that Socoteco-I has a supply of just 20.3 MW against the peak demand of 33 MW. Owing to this, he said that Socoteco is implementing a rotating brownout of three hours per feeder twice a day, or a total of six hours daily. [Bong S. Sarmiento/MindaNews]

an emergency situation- says Police Senior Inspector Bryan Deiparine, commander of the Talomo Police Station. Despite being outlawed habal-habal had been a preferred mode of transportation, Deiparine said there is an arrangement with other agencies so that they can operate their disguises as these motor-riding cops also take in passengers. Currently Talomo Police Station has four habal-habal cops, other stations under the Davao City Police Office also operates habal-habal operatives. Deiparine said the habal-habal cops concept was started by DCPO chief Senior Superintendent Ronald dela Rosa last year. It is part of the Police Integrated Patrol System (PIPS0 instituted by DCPO last year, it is a system of

checkpoints, foot patrols, mobile patrols, motorcycle cop patrols taking into account the crime hours and crime-prone areas as basis for their patrols. So far according to Deiparine, PIPs has contributed to about 85% decrease in crime rate within the Talomo district which is about 11,000 hectares with about 400,000 residents. The area of coverage is equivalent to a size of a city or town, considering that Davao at 244,000 hectares is

one of the country’s largest cities in terms of land area. Deiparine said that they are asking for more police cars and personnel. Currently they have five police vehicles and hopes that seven more vehicles can be added to cover the sprawling area. Meanwhile the Talomo police station has 137 cops or a ratio of one cop for 3,000 residents. Deiparine said that the ideal ratio must be one cop for 1,000 people. [PIA/RG Alama]

Davao... FFROM 2

NOTICE OF LOSS

Notice is hereby given by LOYOLA PLANS CONSOLIDATED INC.(LPCI) that the following forms issued to Sales Marketing Director andGroup/Business Managers were Lost PLAN APPLICATION FORM Nos: LORNA QUIJANO FELICISIMO BAGUIO DELIA CAPUYAN LOURDES LAPIDO

ALMA TOLENTINO YOLANDA NAWAL

00-217643 00-254672-254674 (3sets) 00-254678; OO-254412-254414 (3sets) 00-217160;217161;217163 00-190821-190823 (3sets) 00-217051 00-217170;217171 00-254814-816 (3 sets)

Any transaction entered into shall be null and void.

11 GAME CHANGER

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 122 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2013

Discovering Mindanao’s identity through films By EJ DOMINIC FERNANDEZ ejf@edgedavao.net

OVIE film directors are instruments of change, according to a popular television news reporter and film-maker John Paul Seniel of Davao City. While producing an episode of Isyu Mindanao in the hinterlands of the city’s Marilog district to showcase this year’s Hiyas ng Kadayawan, Noemi Mongcal Abregana, a Matigsalog with exceptional bangs, Seniel looked for a spot where he could get a good cell phone signal to grant Edge Davao an interview. Seniel’s Latus, a short film on young women who are trapped in child abuse, drugs, and violence, won Best Short film in the 2010 New York International Independent Film and Video Festival. Among all the films he has made, this is his favorite because the actresses in the film where authentic former rugby girls (solvent sniffing children) who are now under the custody and care of Tambayan Center, a non-government agency (NGO) that shepherds young women away from child abuse, violence, and drugs. “I am proud of this film because, despite all the criticisms I received, I was able to prove that I really am a film maker, considering the fact that I was not able to attend any school for film making,” he said. Seniel’s love for films began when he was still in the elementary. Just like everybody else, he was exposed to teleseryes, which is why he loved drama films back then. But by the time he became a TV news reporter, the film genre he loved had evolved from drama to more socially conscious topics. He said, “in film making, you can influence the society by ex-

pressing and sharing your point of view from what you have seen and experienced in your environment and in your community.” This is why film-makers, especially in Davao City, should move out of the Hollywood and Western style of film-making, he said. “We have our own culture, community, and society that we should discover or re-discover to be able to create an identity in the films here in Mindanao,” he said. His TV documentary called “Isyu Mindanao,” is an example of the identity that films here should have. He said that most people, especially politicians, do not reach the far-flung areas of the city, which is why it is important to show people what is

going on in these areas. He said that, perhaps one reason why Isyu Mindanao became a hit is because people are fed up with what they see on the mainstream news with all its drama and bad news. By showcasing the far flung areas of region 11 and the people who live there, Seniel can inspire and influence change and development in society. His documentaries can also educate children about the tribes in these areas of the r e -

gion, since many teachers have never been to any of these places. “I believe these are the stories needed to move our nation,” he said. JOHN PAUL SENIEL. Homegrown filmmaker.

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

VOL. 6 ISSUE 122 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2013

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EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 122 â&#x20AC;˘TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2013

CLASSIFIEDS 13

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14 SPORTS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 122 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

TRMH-Duterte Agilas drop Pacman 90-79 W

ITH their more illustrious former teammates boxing superstar Rep. Manny Pacquiao and ex-PBA best import Jamelle Cornley on the other side of the court, The Royal Mandaya Hotel-Duterte Agilas went to their “Death Squad” to rip the MP Pacman Warriors 90-79 in the opener of the 2013 Tuna Festival Cup basketball tournament on Sunday in Gen. Santos City. The TRMH-Duterte Agilas came out smoking from the get go and held on to a sizeable margin through three quarters only to suffer

a meltdown in the crucial fourth that needed an extra push with its best combination on the floor to preserve the win before a highly-appreciative weekend crowd. The TRMH Agilas scored the game’s first 12 points as Dexter John Maiquez found his range early burying 8 points in that stretch on the way to a huge 28-18 first quarter lead. That double-digit spread became a 49-39 lead going into the lemontime break with Maiquez already with twin digits at 13 while Cornley tabbed 9 for the hometown

TRMH-DUTERTE AGILAS. JR Gerilla, Ramsey Williams, Dexter Maiquez, Devon Sullivan and Ian Sangalang are all smiles before the Hunat Dabaw Run. The TRMH-Duterte Agilas later motored to Gen. Santos City and won over the MP Pacman Warriors. Lean Daval Jr.

favorites. Pacquiao, mixing boxing with basketball in the early days of training camp for his upcoming fight with Brandon Rios in November, had four points. By the third quarter, the TRMH Agilas ballooned their lead to 16, 63-47, and it looked like the game was going to be a blowout for the two-time Davao champion squad of team owner Glen Escandor and manager Bong Go. Someone was probably speaking so soon as the Warriors lived up to their name and fought back to life, cutting the deficit to just a basket by the fourth quarter behind the hot hands of Louie Medalla who banged in four triples in that stretch. TRMH coach Miggy Solitaria, temporarily assisted by Jek Melen-

dres, sued for time and brought in his “Death Squad” composed of Ramsey Williams, Devon Sullivan, Mark Magsumbol, JR Gerilla and future top PBA draftee Ian Sangalang. The shifty Williams took charge by scoring 8 of his 15 markers in the homestretch and the fagged out Warriors had nothing to bring out in the endgame in the face of a furious finishing kick by the TRMH Agilas. The silent but effective Sullivan fired a game-high 18 as he outshone Cornley in their first match-up after he played second fiddle to the flamboyant former Rain Or Shine reinforcement. Sangalang added 14, Gerilla, Hercules Tangkay and Magsumbol had 8 apiece while Cris Concepcion had 4. (NJB)

WINNERS. The top three winners in the 3K category in the Hunat Dabaw Run Jessmar Lopez, Michael Barrosa and Ronald Dagaang. Lean Daval Jr.

INdulge! TRAVEL

VOL. 6 ISSUE 122 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

Pampered at Park Inn by Radisson By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO njb@edgedavao.net

here are hotels you’d love to come home to. And there are those you’d rather love to stay.

Correction, make a qualifying statement for that latter classification—make that a few. Uhmm, very few. That’s about it. Hotels become our home away from home. And depending on the nature of travel we are into, our choice of hotels vary. In some travels, I end up on top hotel brands where I chose to be or in some instances, where my host takes me (on coverage or conferences). There are also some travels for the privilege of sampling a hotel brand for the experience and review. Above it all, our choice of hotels speak of our very character. For practical reasons, I pick a hotel for the hours I spend after work, conference or leisure. If I have less time to stay in my hotel room because my travel calls for me to be Mr. Explorer or in most cases, a traveling writer, I go for the less frill and reasonable accommodation. Now here’s for a different experience. Park Inn by Radisson for a weekender? I got my gadgets bag and a tote for that weekend retreat. Just a few things I cannot live without, and myself on this Park Inn experience. To fully appreciate this experience, I simulated an out of town travel. By coincidence, my motoring assignment got me to a racing tire launch at SMX Convention Center at SM Lanang Premier. That sets the tone for a perfect simulation. From the motoring launch, I headed to check in at Park Inn by Radisson crossing over from the SMX lift to the hotel lobby in a jiffy. With a quick check in at the hotel’s front desk and an animated FO staff flagging me off like a race car on the speedway, I was ready to meet my “weekend date” within two cornering and an ascent to the sixth floor of the 204-room hotel. Operated by the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the world’s largest and most dynamic hotel groups, Park Inn by Radisson exudes with a character distinct of its own. Unlike some hotel brands whose marketing slogan cannot be felt nor seen in its product, Park Inn by Radisson practically breathes with colors. That “Adding Color to Life” spirit is alive everywhere from its staff, to its service, and to every hotel detail. It is fresh, vibrant and uncomplicated—about the things I am looking for. Its colorful serenity mixed with a symphony

of spirited service. A hotel staff greeted me on my way to my room, “Welcome, Mr. Bravo!” Those little things that matter. When I walked into my room, there was everything that I needed to know about the hotel, carefully stacked on a neat folder. The brochure is a writer’s best friend, but for a change, I told myself I will rely on what breathes from my tired body in the dozen hours or so that I will be spending in the hotel after a stressful week (that was the Kadayawan week behind me so you can imagine the load). Before I got into this weekend off, I had my stay cut out for me— every hour already programmed. So much for spontaneity. I am still a slave of both my passion and profession. All that banished the moment I camped in. The books I stacked went just a few pages flipped and the stories on homework mode were relegated on standby mode. There I was just savoring the zen-like moment. For a change I gave in to Facebook fatigue and had just one post all told in one word—“Pampered.” You know that feeling you don’t want to sleep because you wanted to be awake when you are having this rare moment for yourself but you cannot stop your eyes from shutting? I was helpless, I gave in. The rest were all defined under that tag—Adding Color to Life. No exaggeration here. Other than the colors, food was flavorful at the RBG (Restaurant Bar & Grill). What can I say, I wish I could stay even longer. Not that I already extended my check out time and gladly, my wish was granted. At the lobby on a Sunday, people mill in the morning “the way they are.” I like the atmosphere of being cool and unrestricted. In this hotel, you can be yourself even in the lobby where, by hotel norms, you look your best because that’s where people see you and that’s where business could begin to take shape, but that is not the feeling. The hotel’s The Living Room concept provides guests with a lifestyle hub where you can socialize and relax in the spacious Lobby area or enjoy reading in the Lounge. It’s amazing even in these complicated times, a hotel can feel this good. And with that feeling of security and spirit, who wants to leave this place? Not me. I love to live in this space.

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

VOL. 6 ISSUE 122 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2013

TRAVEL

Abre of Tou

Marapangi’s Malayan House EVERYONE has a dream house, Elvis has his Graceland in Memphis while Michael Jackson has his Neverland Ranch in California. Davao has a dream house too in the form of the Malayan House located at Marapangi in Toril, at the foothills of Mount Apo. A vision built in the form of a traditional torogan house, Malayan House is the brainchild of the late great Don Antonio Floirendo which served as his mountain retreat. The house also served as a function hall where he entertained guests who were visiting Davao to take a peek at his famous horse stables. Fast forward to today and the Malayan House’s well-manicured lawns and beautiful vistas of Davao City and Davao Gulf are still sights to behold, the cool mountain breeze lending a relaxing reprieve from the hot humid tropical climate. Malayan House manager Carrots Santiago explains that the property is being revitalised and is now open for private functions, weddings and even prenuptial photography sessions. Upon entering the wood and stone main building, one is greeted by beauti-

Lechon in served.

The front lawn of the Malayan House has a commanding view of the nearby horse ranch. ful solid wood and Mindanao-inspired furniture. A beautiful stone and wood bar is located on one corner and beyond it is a koi pond that is stocked with many majestic koi fish. My lunch at the Malayan House was a veritable feast consisting of some of the Floirendo family’s favourite dishes such as their crispy bagnet (crispy fried pork belly), grilled pork ribs and even lechon (whole spit roasted pig) using a pig coming from their own Nenita Farms. I also loved the ginataang golden kuhol (snails

Healthy kamote top salad. cooked in coconut milk) which tasted savoury and was surprisingly sweet to the taste.

The Floirendo family’s famous bagnet.

Beautiful koi fish. And as lunch wound down, the view of horses from the house’s lawn creates a romantic scene right off from a dramatic where dreams actually came true and lovers live happy ever after. Follow me on Twitter and on Instagram @kennethkingong for travel tips, foodie finds and happenings in, around and beyond Durianburg. Ginataang golden kuhol.

Jockey figurines dot the lawn.

The grill was ablaze with pork ribs and banana leaf wrapped fish.

AUGUST has pro to be another e ing month for Da City and Abre Mall. The month-l celebration of the dayawan, the m prestigious fes in the city and M anao, lured in gu from all over, both cal and internatio and celebrated best of Davao in s in a single stop— Abreeza Mall, Dav first premier mall.

“Abreeza ushered new lifestyle among bawenyos and is als fering that as a whole experience for visito terms of shopping, di entertainment and services that tremend helped us in our bran efforts for Davao as brant, dynamic and u destination,” said A Boncato, Director of Department of Touris on how Abreeza is he boost the tourism ind of Davao. Along with the action-packed Kaday fanfare and ente ment—shows featurin local cinema’s heartth at the activity cente tended mall hours an 31-day sale— the “uniq Davao” events co-pre ed with the DOT were of the mall’s best fe highlights—the “Fly D Shop Abreeza,” which co-presented with Davao Travel Agency sociation, and the “D Fruit Craze.” “Fly Davao, Shop A za” entitled the Davao tival tourists and vi flying through Philip Airlines and Silk Air to perks, including disco and freebies at partic ing Abreeza restau and a chance to ba luxury for a night in Abreeza Hotel or Pearl Beach Resort. Mr. Bon said of this promotion ing one’s plane boa pass as a key to disco is an exciting tool to tourists and travelers cover more about Davao has progressed how it is becoming t one of the best destina in the country today promotion that puts value to used boa passes extends goo not only among passen but most especially al airline companies.” It is on this year’s dayawan Festival tha “Davao Fruit Craze”

VOL. 6 ISSUE 122 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

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THE CONJURING 2D / *THE FROZEN GROUND 2D R 13 / *R 16

launched. An event that aims to further establish Davao City as the fruit basket of the Philippines. The trailblazing promotion presented by the DOT and Abreeza Mall featured the bountiful harvest the city has during this time of the year— in a mall, this time. The popular succulent Davao fruits like the durian, pomelo, lanzones, mangosteen, rambutan, etc., took center stage and were made very accessible to everyone at the Abreeza Mall Boardwalk during the festival. “Our Davao Fruit Craze project is rooted on the fact that Davao is the fruit capital of the country and

its staging during the Kadayawan Festival is most ideal with both harvest and visitors in great numbers. It is our mission to make our city’s numerous and vast orchards’ produce conveniently accessible to our visitors and to express our best wishes for a fruitful stay in Davao,” shared Mr. Boncato. After this highly successful alliance between Abreeza Mall and the DOT during the Kadayawan, expect a stronger partnership in the coming days. Abreeza will be working hand in hand with the DOT in pushing Davao to the tourism forefront. When asked what future projects the DOT and Abreeza will have, the Tour-

ism Regional Director imparted this exciting news, “We are certainly looking at our fruit mart project to flourish and we are looking at doing another one this year. Also, as part of the Abreeza’s DNA, we would want to pursue an arts festival that would help Davao bring out its other comparative advantage of being a treasure-trove of talents as a wellspring of inspiration for artists. Among the most important programs we are starting with Abreeza’s full support is The Big Davao Fun Sale from March 14 to April 16, 2014. This is ambitious and is going to be the first of its kind in the country.”

Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson / * Nicolas Cage, John Cusack 12:40 | 3:00 LFS / *5:20 | 7:40 | 10:00 LFS

OTJ 2D Piolo Pascual, Gerald Anderson R 16

12:40 | 3:00 | 5:20 | 7:40 | 10:00 LFS

MORTAL INSTRUMENTS CITY OF BONES 2D Lily Collins, Jamie Campbell Bower PG 13

12:00 | 2:30 | 5:00 | 7:30 | 10:00 LFS

R-16 PEE MAK 2D Mario Maurer PG 13

12:40 | 3:00 | 5:20 | 7:40 | 10:00 LFS

A4 INdulge!

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 122 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2013

ENTERTAINMENT

EDGEDavao Davao Partners

FDCP’s All Masters National Film fest at SM Cinemas nationwide THE COUNTRY’S most accomplished film directors with respective bodies of work that have spanned decades as part of Philippine cinema heritage - join forces for Sineng Pambansa National Film Festival 2013, presented by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) in cooperation with SM Cinemas. The Allmasters film festival is set to run at all SM Cinemas from the 11th to the 17th of September. Each director used re s p e c t i ve provinces as the backdrop for their films, highlighting the beautiful vistas as well as real urban settings to be found around the country, as each flourish with life and come with stories to tell; stories revolving around familial problems, personal issues, and external dilemmas highlight many of the films in the festival this year. Dubbed the All-Masters Edition, this year’s Sineng Pambansa festival, presents the following list of films: Otso by Elwood Perez Hoping to reconnect with his roots by returning back to Manila, Lex writes a screenplay for an indie film based on the secret lives of his neighbors next door. Facts and his own artistic infusions all clash together as he discovers that reinterpreting real life isn’t always a good thing. Badil by Chito S. Roño Acting as a window into how flawed our basic political right has become, the film follows Nonoy as he takes over his Father, the Kapitan’s, duties as guardian to committed voters harassed by vote buyers on the eve of the election. Ang Tag-Araw ni Twinkle by Gil M. Portes The rebellious Twinkle Marie’s life is about to get turned on its head due to a visit from an, unbeknownst to her, biological father with secrets to share. Entering into a tailspin of drugs, sickness, and lies forces her to reevaluate and asses things, then ultimately deciding on what’s truly important. Eman by Tikoy Aguiluz This is a coming of age story about Emmanuel A. Lacaba, the brilliant young poet who dared to dream through his words and joined the armed struggle of 1975, cementing him not only as just poet but also a patriotic warrior. Bamboo Flowers by Maryo J. Delos Reyes The actual chandeliershaped bamboo flowers that blossom only before death inspire this anthology about the lives of different people in Bohol, who have to deal with the ever changing world around them. The erosion of traditions

and beliefs forces change in their lives and pushes them towards drastic life decisions. Lauriana by Mel Chionglo Set in 1955, the residents of a small idyllic village in Quezon are jolted to discover the dark, disturbing secret of a soldier and his common-law wife. Guilt and recrimination abound in the town and forces our protagonist into a six decade long journey of remorse, forgiveness and retribution. Sonata by Peque Gallaga and Lore Reyes “Sonata” is the story of a woman whose whole life is her art, but when she loses it she goes into a self-exile, only to be, hopefully, reinvigorated by a young boy daring to bring it all back. Lihis by Joel Lamangan Set in the 70’s during the darkest hours of Philippine History, we follow the story of two young NPA warriors who find themselves entangled in a web of frustration, despair and victory as they fight not only for democracy but also their love for each other. Ano Ang Kulay ng mga Nakalimutang Pangarap by Jose Javier Reyes Concerned with themes of loyalty, old age, mortality and memories, the film traces the life of Teresa, a nanny who has dedicated sixty years of service to a middle class family at the expense of her own happiness and fulfillment. Though upon the death of the family patriarch, Teresa’s fate is now up in the air as the family decides what sort of future is to come. Tinik by Romy V. Suzara This is a sober and impartial study of homosexuality through the story of a middleaged gay couturier and his attempts at keeping his dignity amidst the dilemmas and problems brought upon by his homosexuality. The proceeds of the event will go to support the projects and endeavors of the National Film Archives of the Philippines (NFAP).

SPORTS 15

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 122 •TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2013

Nerza, Miranda rule Hunat Dabaw Run D

AVAO’S best road runners came through with contrasting wins on Sunday as Anthony Nerza and Judelyn Miranda came out on top of the heap amidst a record field in The Royal Mandaya Hotel’s Hunat Dabaw Run. With a surprisingly high 1,208 runners answering the bark of gun at the break of dawn in front of Davao’s foremost downtown hotel in Palma Gil Street, Nerza and Miranda conquered a relatively new course to top the premier 15-Kilometer race for men and women. The many-time champion Nerza, a senior at the Brokenshire College, negotiated the 15-K distance with a fast time of 53 minutes and 2 seconds besting teammate Michael Jan Constantino who checked in 45 seconds later at 53:47. Arnie Macaneras came in third in 53:58. Miranda, another veteran and past winner of several footraces hereabouts, clocked 1 hour 11 minutes and 36 seconds to pocket the women’s title over running

coach Monaliza Ambasa who came a step behind in 1:11:37. Jane Jaro finished third in 1:11:38. TRMH president Glen Escandor fired off the big field who joined the first ever footrace organized by the Escandor-owned hotel setting the tone for the week-long 15th anniversary of TRMH. Escandor later himself joined the run along with wife Mic-Mic, hotel exec-

utives led by manager Benjie Banzon, LTO assistant regional director Bong Gonzaga and members of the TRMH-Duterte Agilas basketball team. “We are happy with the big turnout, this is a great beginning to our week-long activities as we celebrate our anniversary. We thanks everyone for their support,” said Daffodil

Martinez-Bahani, TRMH Front Office manager and event chairperson. In other divisions, Sonny Wagdos won the 8 - K

men’s title over Sonny Paderna with Mario Ecalner taking third place honors. Criselyn Jaro beat sister Cellie Rose to win the 8-K women’s title while Emily Avergonzado finished third.

Jessmar Lopez bagged the 3K men’s title besting Michael Barrosa and Ronald Dagaang while Ruffa Sorongon won the distaff side of the 3K besting Rosenelyn Pepillo and Ashiela Tero. (NJB)

HUNAT DABAW RUN. Mrs. Violeta Escandor (right), matriarch of the Escandor Group of Companies, fires off the runners in Sunday’s Hunat Dabaw Run as son Glen (left photo, third from right) and wife Mic-Mic (second from right) with LTO assisrant regional director Bong Gonzaga join the 1,208 runners. Lean Daval Jr.

PAYBACK TIME Li Na moves to QFinals

FOR THE WIN. China’s Li Na scores a forehand foray.

EW YORK (Reuters) - Li Na notched another pay-back victory at the U.S. Open, beating former world number one Jelena Jankovic 6-3 6-0 to advance to the quarter-finals on Sunday. The fifth-seeded Chinese, who overturned last year’s defeat by Laura Robson by beating the Briton in the third round, snapped a four-match losing streak to the Serbian dating back to Paris in 2009. Former French Open champion Li cracked 20 winners and conceded only 12 unforced errors in a dazzling display, converting all her seven break points in

a 57-minute master class. “The last time in Rome I lost in two sets straight away. She plays pretty good defense, but who knows, maybe I played the best match of my whole life,” Li said with a chuckle in her on-court interview. “I still remember last time I played her in Rome. I was feeling I played pretty good, but still lost the match,” she told reporters. “So I was so sad after the match.” Li said her coach Carlos Rodriguez used that defeat to motivate her. “Before this match, Carlos didn’t tell me anything. Just said, ‘remember how you felt

after that match.’ The victory put 31-year-old Li, Asia’s first grand slam singles champion, into the U.S. Open quarter-finals for the second time following her trip to the last eight in 2009. A two-time Australian Open finalist, Li next faces Russian 24th seed Ekaterina Makarova, who upset third seed Agnieszka Radwanska 6-4 6-4. “Tonight she played really well, at a very high level,” Jankovic said of Li. “I did not control the points. I let her do all the talk on the court. “If she continues to play like this I think she can win the tournament.”

EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. VOL.66ISSUE ISSUE122 122••TUESDAY, TUESDAY,SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER3,3,2013 2013

RECORD BREAKING Dumbrique sets new record, Team GI dominates Quick 8, Class A By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO njb@edgedavao.net

ARY Dumbrique saw his Quick 8 aspirations blown up in the air after a faulty transmission in the semifinals but made up for that with a mighty fast run that netted him the fastest ever time recorded at Speed City in Sunday’s exciting Phoenix Petroleum Hot August Races. Behind t h e

wheel of his silver gray car, Dumbrique of Team Classic broke his Speed City record of 6.4 seconds set in the time trial on Saturday with 6.39 seconds in his second try and then 6.356 on his third to cement his grip on the fastest car title, at least for yet another day.

Davao Classic and Sports Car Club president Willie Torres confirmed Dumbrique’s record shattering run. In the Quick 8 race, Carlo Jacinto of Team Ground Image bagged the title after beat-

ing Peter Sia in the Finals. Jacinto’s best time is 6.54 seconds. Don-Don Media made it a double for Team Ground Image when he took the Class A title. Al Jeric

Layan of Team Vee Dub made a “Grand Slam” by winning four straight Class B championship in all races at Speed City. Rene Casia of DCSCC receiving the Best Reaction Time of the race with .505 seconds.

“DCSCC would like to thank the City of Davao, Phoenix Petroleum, our Sponsors, the race participants and our crew for making another Kadayawan Hot August Races a success,” Torres said closing another racing edition.

BIG WINNER. Carlo Jacinto (top) of Team Ground Image celebrates at the finish after winning the Quick 8 race in Sunday’s Phoenix Petroleum Hot August Races at Speed City. Middle photo shows the Davao Classic and Sports Car Club with president Willie Torres (third from right) and LTO assistant regional director Bong Gonzaga (5th from right). Below, Gary Dumbrique dismounts after his record-breaking run. Lean Daval Jr.