Edge Davao 6 Issue 25 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 25 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 19-20, 2013

www.edgedavao.net

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

Serving a seamless society

GETTIN’ READY TO RUMBLE. WBO international featherweight champion Rey “Boom-Boom” Bautista (left) and Jose “Negro” Ramirez of Mexico (right) strike a fighting stance in yesterday’s press conference for the Pinoy Pride XIX “The Mexican I n v a s i o n ”. The biggest boxing card since 2003 will happen on Saturday at the USEP Gym. Lean Daval Jr.

Ikaw na lang ang pag-asa

Feature

Page 5

Davao’s Stem Cell Specialist

5 pushers busted ANOTHER EXPLOSION IN THE U.S. Drug dealers sneak is wheeled off to in shabu from Cotabato Ansaferelderly grounds after an explo-

By EJ Dominic Fernandez

Sports

Lakers make it

Page 15

ive suspected dealers of illegal drugs were arrested yesterday a few hours after one of their cohorts was arrested in a separate buy-bust operation. The regional Philippine Drug enforcement Agency (PDeA) arrested the suppliers of suspected drug pusher Dana Mylene Rabadon on Thursday dawn in front of Aveflor inn, CM Recto Street, Davao City. The suspects were Nasrudin Laguiala, male, 40; Basare Abbas y Bra, male, 29; Datu Men

F5 PUSHERS BUSTED, 11

sion rocked Texas in the United States, yesterday. Authorities fear massive deaths in the second incident of explosion in the US in three days. (From the wires)

Story on page 10

2 THE BIG NEWS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 25 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 19-20, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

DRAWING THEM CLOSE. The world stops for the majority of Filipinos whenever Manny Pacquiao fights which is why a congressional candidate from the 1st District of Davao City offers free showing of past Pacquiao fights using a huge LED television along E. Quirino Avenue in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

P3.25M for national road maintenance in region 11

More than half of PCOS machines yet to arrive N

By Che Palicte

AvAO CiTY, April 18 (PNA) -- Of the 1,162 Precinct Count Optical Scanner (PCOS) machines needed for the entire Davao City for the May 13 elections, about 500 units have arrived as of Thursday, lawyer Danilo Cullo, acting election officer of the city’s third district, said. He, however, confirmed the PCOS machines keep arriving and is confident the total number of units needed will arrive

before May 6, the deadline set by Comelec to test the machines. Cullo also said they also received information from Comelec central office that the ballot boxes needed for Davao City are already completed and ready for transport to the city. He said by May 5, all ballot boxes are expected to have arrived in the city. Third district has about 254,321 registered voters and 297,930 in the second district. First

District election officer lawyer Aimee F. Ampoloquio, however, said they are currently re-checking the exact number of registered voters to ensure its accuracy. Cullo said Comelec has posted the computerized voters’ list in the voting centers as early as February. He, however, clarified that Comelec will be posting a new copy of the voters’ list on election day through the teachers who

will assist in the electoral process. Ampoloquio said they at the first district are now on the finishing touches. She confirmed her office received reports of various violations on the designated poster areas policy. However, Comelec first district did not as yet implement Operation Baklas, saying that the violating candidates will still be issued notices of violation. (PNA)

ATiONAL Arterial and National Secondary Roads within Region 11 needing maintenance have been given top priority by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) with a budget allocation of P3.25 million. Dennis Flores, DPWH information officer, told edge Davao that within the jurisdiction of the DPWH 11 are 1,662.366 kilometers of roads classified into: National Arterial

FP3.25M, 11

Three new landmarks to welcome visitors

D BRAVING THE HEAT. A bicycle enthusiast didn’t let the heat hinder him from biking as he protects himself using an umbrella while traversing McArthur Highway in Matina, Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

with a total length of 843.814 kilometers, and National Secondary with a total length of 818.552 kilometers. “These roads require immediate maintenance work in order to prevent serious damage and to keep them at maximum effective use,” he said. Flores bared that DPWH director Mariano R. Alquiza explained that the old roads will only be good up to 20 years, so there is a need

AvAO City will have an additional three beautifully designed landmarks to welcome motorists and visitors entering the city through three major entry points. Officer in charge of the Davao City investment Promotion Center (DCiPC) Jason Magnaye said during the weekly ispeak forum at the city hall yesterday that the three welcome landmarks will be found in Barangay Baganihan, Marilog District, Toril and Lasang. “These landmarks

will be a branding thing for Davao City,” he said, adding that only the one in Lasang needs finishing touches while the two are already finished,” he said. The three structures cost a total of P3 million from the public enhancement program fund of the city government that involved preparation, designing, construction and landscaping as conceptualized by Kublai Millan. The sculpture of the Davao eagle in Marilog will welcome visitors coming from Bukid-

FTHREE NEW, 11

SUBURBIA

EDGEDAVAOVOL. 6 ISSUE 25 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 19-20, 2013

DavSur PWDs receive artificial legs S

OMe 114 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) across Davao del Sur have recently benefited from a leg prostheses grant amounting to about P3 million from the Fil-American Association of Central New Jersey (FAACNJ). The FAACNJ assistance for the PWDs was materi-

alized in partnership with Davao del Sur Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO). Rosula B. Aldanese, PSWDO focal person for PWDs program, said 95 of the beneficiaries fitted and received their artificial legs late January this year. The fitting and distribution of leg prostheses

RAINMAKER. A flight technician waves off a twin-engine Baron aircraft used in the cloud seeding operations over Lake Lanao as it takes off from Lumbia airport in Cagayan de Oro City on Monday, April 15. The Depart-

for the 19 recipients were done on February 27, 2013, Aldanese said. She said the beneficiaries were qualified to receive the artificial legs after undergoing assessment and measurement in October last year during the medical mission dubbed “Simbahan at Probinsya: Oplan Bigay Paa” held at

the San isidro Labrador Parish Compound in Digos City. The PSWDO headed the medical mission in coordination with FAACNJ headed by Romy Buerano, Philippine General Hospital Rehab Team led by Dr. Penny Bondoc, and Tzu Chi Rehab Team from Zamboanga headed by Dr. Ray-

ment of Agriculture has been conducting daily cloud seeding operations over Lake Lanao to ease the power crisis in Mindanao.[MindaNews/Froilan Gallardo]

mund Satur. The Physicians for Peace, Diocese of Digos, and San isidro Parish led by Fr. Nestor Lizondra were also part of the medical mission for the PWDs. Aldanese said the local government of Davao del Sur has bestowed a plaque of recognition on FAACNJ for the latter’s moral and financial support it has extended to the PWDS in the province. The PGH Rehab and Tzu-Chi Rehab teams were also cited for their moral and technical support for the PWDs, she added. The LGU has been fervent in providing assistance for the welfare of the PWDs through capability and livelihood trainings and free health services, Aldanese said. Among the trainings conducted last year was the three-day Braille Orientation and Sign Language Basic Seminar in April which was attended by 25 PWDs organizations presidents and focal persons. Also carried out in April 2012 was the three-day Wheelchair Measurement and Assessment Training and Orientation on Republic Act 9442 held in Davao City attended by 25 PWDs organizations presidents and focal persons.

From May to July 2012, PSWDO administered a province-wide wheelchair assessment and measurement with 136 potential beneficiaries who will be given wheelchairs by the Latter Day Saints Charities, though no distribution schedule has been set yet. Aside from the medical mission, the PSWDO also spearheaded the “Mata’t Tainga Ko, ipapasuri Ko,” a free eye and ear check-up for 118 high school students at Digos City National High School. This consultation activity was done in partnership with UCCP Social Concerns Foundation. The PSWDO also conducted a Provincial Accessibility Audit last year which was participated in by various government agencies and non-government organizations who discussed about the implementation of the Accessibility Law or Batas Pambansa Bilang 344. For this year, more activities will be programmed to serve more PWDs in the province, Aldanese said, citing the sewing training scheduled first week of May for 30 parents of PWD students from the government’s special schools in Digos City. [Carina Cayon/ PiA 11]

OMeN among the indigenous peoples of Barangay Sabangan in San isidro town, Davao de Norte, have found a productive pastime to while their hours away. instead of spending their time gossiping or doing nothing, the iP women, who are mostly members of the Dibabawon tribe, have decided to organize themselves and start a venture producing and selling fresh home-made delicacies made out of organic root crops. The mothers were given the opportunity to start their enterprise after undergoing the 2-day livelihood training on root crops kakanin (native delicacies)-making conducted by the Livelihood and Manpower Development Division of the Provincial

Government, in coordination with the Department of education (Deped). The housewives, who are currently enrolled in the Alternative Learning System (ALS) of the Deped, were taught on the proper preparation of native foods such as banana chips, cassava gel, muffins and chips, as well as, camote delight and bar. Dominga Sumambot, 60 years old and a mother of 12, was delighted to learn about the prospect of earning additional income for her family by selling quality native foods. She said she spends most of her time helping her husband in tending their 3-hectare farm in the neighboring barangay of igangon. [Noel Baguio-DavNor PiO]

DavNor public high school student to join int’l fair W O

Ne of the seven Filipino high school student participants to the intel international Science and engineering Fair (iSeF) hails from Panabo City, Davao del Norte. Judel Jay A. Tabsing, a 16-year old- fourth- yearhigh-school student of the Panabo National High School will join six other Filipino high school students to the intel iSeF which will be held in Phoenix Convention Center, Arizona, U.S.A. on May 12 to 17. Other Filipino contingent members to the intel

iSeF 2013 are from Oriental Mindoro (two students), La Union (three students), and from Taguig (one student). The only son of Julie T. Tabsing and edilita A. Tabsing, the Panaboan iSeF participant has passed the rigors of science fair competitions at the district schools and regional levels, and then landed top ten during the National Science and Technology Fair held in Las Pinas City on Nov. 28, 2012, organized by the Department of education (Deped).

Tabsing has gained the merits of qualifying for the intel iSeF 2013 through his research study entitled “impatiens Balsamina (Kamantigue) Leaf Extract as Potential Organic-based Fungicide against Fusarium Oxysporum (FSP) Cubense Tropical Race 4 Causing Fusarium Wilt of Banana.” in last year’s National Science and Technology Fair, he landed top 3 in Life Science Category, Cluster ii (Science Schools), and grabbed the international science special award

called Ricoh Sustainable Development Award. He was eventually recommended by the Deped national office to join the intel iSeF 2013 during which some 1,500 other scientific research studies will also be presented. “At intel iSeF, he will defend his research study before scientists and academe experts who will be there to know the veracity of his study, and to know how he has performed his experiment,” coach Mervin Salmon said. [PiA 11/ Jeanevive Duron-Abangan]

said the provision of livelihood checks to the nine rebel returnees only shows the seriousness of government to address the roots of insurgency. “This endeavour proves that the government, along with its various agencies, civic and volunteer organization partners, are sincere in resolving insurgency in the country,” he said.1Lt. isis Achanzar said

that nine former rebels received a total of P495, 000 livelihood assistance during the launching of the half-way house for former rebels and the turn-over of the insurgency campaign from the military to the local government of Davao Oriental last week The amount was divided equally to the returnees with each of them receiving P55, 000.

She recalled that eighty former rebels in the area were also given livelihood training skills and financial assistance in 2012. “Majority of them avail of the services from government provided through the halfway house in Barangay Don Martin Marundan in Mati City, Davao Oriental,” Achanzar said. [PiA 11/Joey Sem G. Dalumpines]

Army confident insurgency waning in Davao Oriental

top military officer expressed confidence that the insurgency problem in Davao Oriental will totally die down as the government and stakeholders continue to reach out and strengthen the effort to assist former rebels to start life anew. Colonel Rey Leonardo Guerrero, commander of the 701st infantry Brigade

No more idle time for IP women of Sabangan

uips

‘IT’S just one of many ideas being discussed to improve collections. The fact that it’s being discussed at all shows you how serious we are taking the need to improve collections, not necessarily the idea of abolition.’

--Strategic Communication Secretary Ricky Carandang

VOL. 6 ISSUE 25 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 19-20, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

Escudero says

Black propa insult to voters T

eAM PNoy reelectionist Sen. Francis escudero Wednesday denied black propaganda being hurled against him, calling it as big insult to the ability of the electorate to choose the most qualified candidates in the May 13 polls. ”For those who are promoting black propaganda, they take our voters too lightly that through simple text message by one person, everything will be come true. i think that’s not fair,” escudero said in a press conference at the Team PNoy headquarters in Makati City. escudero said he has been receiving at least eight text messages each day containing black propaganda against him and his fel-

low candidates. The lawmaker from Bicol denied allegation that he pushed for the appointment former National Food Authority chief Lito Banayo who later had been linked to the rice smuggling investigated by the Senate. ”That is not true and as much as possible, actually, i don’t want to react to black propaganda, text messages, but that is not true. And they also stated a flat out lie that the hearing linked me to it, that’s not true as well,” escudero said. He said black propaganda is not new to him who, in 1998 when he first ran and won congressional seat for Sorsogon at the House of Representative, has been called corrupt,

gay, drug addict, drunkard and even accused of paying his teachers to get passing grades. ”in fact, most of these issues, we did not even address or answer anymore because we’re confident that you cannot fool the voters considering the wide array of information through internet and modern mass media,” escudero said. escudero said he would only answer all the allegations against him if the people behind the black propaganda will identify themselves. ”if they would be able to come out in the open and identify themselves, they i’m more than willing to answer them because i’m confident that they cannot present evi-

PCOS lost its mystery, COMELEC exec says

Atty. Wilfred Jay Balisado

O M M i S S i O N on elections (COMeLeC) regional director, Atty. Wilfred Jay Balisado, downplayed possible threats to the early delivery of Precinct Count Optical Scanner (PCOS) machine saying “PCOS has lost its mystery.” He said people are no longer as interested of PCOS as they were in the 2010 national elections. “Wala na kasi ang mystery ng PCOS na ‘yan. Unlike before when it was new; everyone was eager to see the PCOS,” Balisa-

do said. He viewed the PCOS as mere machine which can only run functionally to count ballots with the micro gadget inserted into it. Balisado discounted any possibility of postponing the elections without the PCOS saying casting of votes can still go on even if the PCOS machine would be destroyed, stolen or be burned, because votes are written on the ballots which can be fed to other PCOS machines for counting. He said that unlike the units of PCOS machine

which are delivered days before the election, ballots are brought to polling precincts by the Board of election inspector (Bei) on the day of the election. “if some lawless elements have orchestrated plans to destroy the PCOS, they might as well destroy the ballots to sabotage the election. it doesn’t serve if they burn the PCOS because we can always have replacement,” Balisado said in explaining that PCOS can be reconfigured to do the counting of ballots fed from other precincts. He assured the security in delivering PCOS units to towns and cities in close coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). “With regard to the distribution of PCOS, i left it to the sound judgment of the election officers in consultation with the PNP and the military which are non partisan. Deployment of the PCOS has prior approval of the military and the PNP,” Balisado said. Once the PCOS units arrive at the municipal level, they would then be distributed within the same day, to clustered precincts and would then be placed for safekeeping preferably at the school principal’s office to be guarded by the PNP and the military. [PiA 11/ Jeanevive Duron-Abangan]

dence against me,” escudero said. He said he would not ruin the good name his family, including his father the late congressman Salvador escudero, established in politics. ”For me, my records stand clear in so far as my 15 years in public service is concern. One of my objective is clean governance and honest service,” escudero said. He even challenged his fellow candidates to submit waiver of their assets. ”i’m challenging them to instead submit waiver instead of insulting me that i’m living in a town house. i hope people would appreciate that i’m the only senator who live in a townhouse,” escudero said.[PNA]

Francis Escudero

Trillanes: Power barges, renewable sources to solve Minda power woes

eNATOR Antonio F. Trillanes iv on Wednesday said bringing in more power barges in Mindanao will be the immediate solution to the power problems in the island. Trillanes also said tyge long-term solution for the worsening problem of power is the development of renewable energy sources. “i foresaw the energy problem in Mindanao, so during the past congress i proposed bills that would promote and develop solar energy, wind energy and ocean energy which are renewable sources of energy,” he said.

The re-electionist senator pointed out that initially the development of such may cost so much and more expensive than the traditionally diesel-powered generators but in the end, it will turn to be much more cost-effective, he said. He said that the measure would be among those he intended to be refiled when he will make it for another term in the Senate. Other issues discussed by the senator during the forum, which he said would be among his priority legislations would be peace and order, anti-poverty, an-

ti-corruption, civil service reforms, energy independence, agriculture, education, reforms in the Armed Forces and Philippine National Police, among others. Trillanes said that during his term in the Senate he was able to file at least 30 measures which became into law, some have archipelagic impact. “Closer-to-his-heart” legislations, he said, are the AFP modernization law, salary-standardization law, the expanded senior citizens act and the early release of the retirement benefit of the government employees. [PNA]

ELECTION 101 (No. 7 of a series)

eCTiON 24. Creation of Task Force to Tear Down and Remove Unlawful election Materials. - There is hereby created a task force to tear down and remove all unlawful election

materials composed of the election Officer as Chairman, the Station Commander of the PNP (Chief of Po-

lice) as vice Chairman, and a third member belonging to any of the deputized agencies of the Commission.

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 25 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 19-20, 2013

THE ECONOMY

Print media advertising least preferred by pols

By Che Palicte

OST political candidates have opted against print media advertising as being their least preferred method of projecting their image to the electorate. The special nature of the 2013 campaign and elections has lessened media’s role as credible and critical sources of information and analysis during the election season. Candidate for councilor in the first district, Leo Avila, told edge Davao that television and radio advertising have a wider reach for having more frequency and timeslots compared to newspaper advertising. “Newspapers have a readership that is mostly intelligent and socially aware. So, if i were to target this specific group of voters, then print media is a priority, but for the masa who are more in number, radio and tv

would be it,” Avila explained. Former Davao City vice-mayor Louie Bonguyan, who is now running as a congressional candidate in the first district, said that if he had the budget, he would prefer television and radio advertisement to newspaper advertisement. “Tv advertising is my choice, but it just happens that i cannot afford to pay for the airing because it’s very expensive, so i’ll just settle for posters and handbills as a way of making the people know that i’m a candidate in this coming election,” he said. He added that it’s no longer necessary to advertise in newspapers because the newspaper itself tells the story as to what the campaign status is and it even features politicians (for free). “ So it’s just like advertising na din diba?” he added.

Angelo Aportadera, candidate for councilor in the second district, said newsprint advertising is the least choice because the growth of social media gives people easy access through the internet. “But Tv is still the most effective,” he added. “Tv has sound, movement and color.” he explained. Meanwhile James Gamao, a candidate for vice-mayor in Panabo City, said newspapers can’t penetrate rural areas, unlike television and radio which can reach even the uplands. “i can say that newspaper advertisement is the least effective because people are more into action and they even observe gestures of a certain candidate who is being interviewed on television. So i guess, political ads on Tv are the most effective followed next by radio,” he explained.

“i will pursue this because i want to offer world class stem cell procedure to Dabawenyos so that patients will get what they paid for, and i will make sure that the stem cell therapy procedures i offer will be affordable for them,” said the UStrained stem cell therapist in an interview with edge Davao. “i have been performing stem cell therapy for beatification and cosmetic purposes since 2010, since then there is an increasing trend of people who are availing the therapy, because they see the beautiful results,” Dr. Acosta said. “Now, i also cater to patients who need their chronic diseases treated” Last Monday, Dr. Acosta performed the first ever stem cell operation at the Brokenshire Memorial Hospital. The

tire Mindanao. Dr. Acosta described the operation as “very successful.” “i use autologus stem cell therapy which only use the fats and blood of the patient because this is the only procedure that DOH approves,” she explained. “I encourage Dabawenyos to try stem cell therapy, especially those who keep on taking in mediation and undergoing different types of medical procedures but still get unsatisfactory results, stem cell therapy is one of their best options.” “For stem cell therapy, the doctor must be adept in liposuction procedures because fat and blood needs to be extracted from the patient,” Dr. Acosta, who has long years of experience as a cosmetic surgeon, said. “A Cosmetic and plastic surgeon, which i am, knows liposuction procedures best” The proven therapies of Stem cells are for the following: Autism, Alzheimer’s disease, Rejuvenation, Cosmetic, Diabetes, emphysema, erectile Dysfunction, heart disease, lung disease, liver disease, liver cirrhosis, Multiple Sclerosis, scleroderma, systemic lupus erythe-

US-trained doc pioneers stem cell therapy in Davao S

TeM cell therapy specialist Dr. Luz P. Acosta is heading back to the United States this weekend for another hands-on workshop on stem cell therapy in Miami, Florida. Dr. Acosta’s new training only speaks of her passionate pursuit for advancement in learning and experience in the breakthrough medical treatment which she is pioneering in Davao and Mindanao.

procedure was the first ever performed in Davao City and in the en-

matosus, rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, nerve and spinal cord injury, lung disease (COPD/emphysema, idiopathic, pulmonary fibrosis), kidney disease, cerebral palsy, macular degeneration, stroke and cosmetic – facial rejuvenation / volumization, body fillers and cosmetic –large volume (breast / butt augmentation). interested parties who wish to avail of Dr. Acosta’s services may see her at her clinic at Rm. 401-402 Medical Arts Buiding, San Pedro Hospital. Her clinic hours are from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm from Monday to Saturday. For appointments, call 221-8867.

The first stem cell therapy done by Dr. Luz P. Acosta in an accredited institution in Davao City at Brokenshire Integrated Health Ministries on April 17, 2013. A milestone for Davao Region and the whole of Mindanao as well.

6 THE ECONOMY Lease agreement for long-term solution to Mindanao’s energy problems inked EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 25 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 19-20, 2013

ReSiDeNT Benigno S. Aquino iii witnessed the ceremonial contract signing of PHiviDeC and Filinvest Development Utilities inc. in Malacanang on Wednesday on the lease agreement that paves the way for the construction of a power generation facility in Misamis Oriental. “This contract signing today demonstrates a new face of Philippine governance: We are witnessing a great step in our shared pursuit of bequeathing to succeeding generations a Philippines that meets its full potential,” the President said in his message after the signing ceremony. “Through the collective efforts of forward thinkers in public service, and of our partners in Filinvest, we are showing our commitment to sustainable, inclusive growth whose impact will be felt by Filipinos even decades from now.” Mindanao’s energy situation did not arise overnight and the solution also requires coopera-

tion among stakeholders, which is also expected to take some time, the President said. The energy problems of Mindanao stemmed from the intentions of politicians to be exempted from the electric Power industry Reform Act of 2001 (ePiRA) and the region’s heavy reliance on the use of hydro-powered plants, the chief executive said. He said previous leaders assumed that cheap hydro power could last forever neglecting the fact that the hydropower plants are machines that need to be maintained, improved and replaced. And instead of actively protecting the source of hydropower, illegal logging was allowed to continue, destroying watersheds and was compounded by the effects of climate change, he said. But with the construction of cleaner coal-powered plants in Mindanao, President Aquino said he expects the region’s energy woes to be a thing of the past. Since taking

office in 2010, he said his administration immediately began making the structural changes that encouraged the private sector to come in and put up power plants. For instance, last year, Aboitiz began a project to build two coal-fired power plants in Davao, which will provide a total of 300 megawatts. The project will be finished by late 2015, he said. “By then, with all the projects we have lined up, we fully expect that this problem will be a thing of the past. And hopefully, the thinking that led us to this problem will also be a thing of the past,” he said. Also, the President said the Sultan of Brunei, who visited the country this week, expressed his serious intention to bring natural gas to Mindanao. The memorandums of understanding have already been signed for this project, he said. Filinvest’s Misamis Oriental project is a significant part of the longterm solution for Mindanao’s energy problems, ac-

cording to the President. “This signing gives us peace of mind that the permanent solutions are being put in place. By 2016, these three plants, by themselves, will be providing 405 megawatts of coal power to the Mindanao grid. (The figures, i think, should be checked a little.) With the energy these plants will be producing, by 2016, we expect production capacity to be almost 470 megawatts above peak demand,” he said. The government, in cooperation with the private sector, not only increases Mindanao’s maximum capacity but also reinforces the region’s entire energy supply with more reliable and stable sources. “We are making their energy infrastructure much more competitive. We should also not forget that in constructing these power plants, Filinvest will be injecting P29-30 billion into Mindanao’s economy, while giving jobs to two thousand workers in the process.”

ents of an elite golf club in Calatagan, Batangas province. SSS President and Chief Executive Officer emilio de Quiros, Jr. said the agency’s newest AlkanSSSya partner is the Samahan ng mga Caddy sa Calatagan Golf Club,

inc. (SCSCGCi). The association has over 200 members, most of whom are accredited caddies of the Calatagan Golf Club inc. (CGCi) as well as the club’s umbrella girls and massage therapists. “While public transport workers and mar-

ket vendors currently comprise the majority of AlkanSSSya members, the recent participation of caddies, umbrella girls and ‘masahistas’ from the golf club show that self-employed workers from any type of industry can readily adapt

Davao by the nUmberS Davao City produces an average of

1,500 metric tons of squash annually,

51.73 percent of which are produced from areas in Marilog. Source: cIty AgrIculturISt’S offIce

PHiviDeC and Filinvest signed Wednesday a 28-year lease contract for an initial 84.4 hectare of land within the PHiviDeC’s industrial state in villanueva, Misamis Oriental. Filinvest will construct a coal-fired power plant that is expected to support Mindanao’s energy needs.

Filinvest said it is adopting clean coal technology in its Misamis Oriental power plant with a circulating fluidized bed (CFB) boiler. This technology reduces the sulfur dioxide emission as well as nitrogen oxide to negligible levels, thus also reducing its impact on the environment.

this SSS program to their needs,” he said. SSS Luzon South Division Head virginia Cruz, SSS Batangas Branch Head Corazon Balagbis and SCSCGCi President Timoteo Gonzalez inked the agreement during ceremonies attended by De Quiros and other officials from SSS, CGCi and SCSCGCi at the Calatagan Golf Clubhouse on March 26, 2013. SSS Assistant vice President and Officer-in-Charge for Luzon Group Josie Magana, SSS Makati-Gil Puyat Branch Head Ma. Lourdes Flores, CGCi Administration Manager Roberto Agustin and CGCi Administration Officer Lina Bayubay served as witnesses. The SSS launched the AlkanSSSya program in 2012 as part of its thrust to provide social security protection to self-employed and informal sector workers. The key component of the program is the “AlkanSSSya,” a secure metal cabinet with individual coin slots and compartments that stores workers’ daily savings for monthly

SSS contributions. “The design of the AlkanSSSya program makes accumulating funds for contributions less daunting for members. it highlights the fact that SSS protection can be affordable and within reach, as long as they have the discipline to save even just a little on a daily basis,” he said. Under the AlkanSSSya program, self-employed and informal sector workers can contribute a minimum of P312 per month, or a little over P10 a day. Their savings will be counted at the end of every month and remitted to SSS for crediting to their personal SSS accounts. “Many of the association’s members also earn a living from farming and fishing to augment their earnings as golf club workers. it would have been unfortunate if, despite their years of hard work, they had no social protection to look forward to, and this is what we want to address through AlkanSSSya,” de Quiros noted.

Golf club workers start SSS savings under AlkanSSSya He Social Security System (SSS) broadened further the reach of its innovative microsavings scheme called “AlkanSSSya,” as it now covers golf caddies and self-employed workers who serve members and cli-

FRUIT INGREDIENTS. Michelle Galache prepares the fruit ingredients of summer favorite “halo-halo” at the Rizal Park along San Pedro Street, Davao City yesterday. Galache is one of the beneficiaries who received a mobile

stall from a joint project of the City Government of Davao and the Mindanao Commission on Women. Lean Daval Jr.

THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 25 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 19-20, 2013

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

5.4 4th Qtr 2012

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

6.8 4th Qtr 2012

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

USD 3,969.51 million Dec 2012 USD 5,135.46 million Nov 2012 USD -1,585 million Nov 2012 USD -209 million Mar 2012 P 5,171,689 million Dec 2012

8. Interest Rates 4/

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

P 40.67 Feb 2013

12. Stocks Composite Index 6/

6,242.7 Jan 2013

13. Consumer Price Index 2006=100

132.4 Feb 2013

14. Headline Inflation Rate 2006=100

3.4 Feb 2013

15. Core Inflation Rate 2006=100

3.8 Feb 2013

16. Visitor Arrivals

352,438 Nov 2012

17. Underemployment Rate 7/

20.9% Jan 2013

18. Unemployment Rate 7/

7.1% Jan 2013

MONTHLY AVERAGE EXCHANGE RATE (January 2012-February 2013) 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

AvAO City Tourism Office mulled to hype more Davao City as tourist destination with more activities that will attract local visitors and abroad to spur local employment. Jason Magnaye, head of the City investment Promotion Cen-

ter and the City Tourism Office said that bringing in more visitors to the city remains a challenge for the local government and the accommodation agency. even then, he said tourist arrival brings more jobs to the city. Magnaye said that a visitor usually spends P2, 800 a day

which covers expenses in food, transportation and frolicking around the city. “The money spent by visitors circulates and benefits all stakeholders in the tourism industry from tour operators, taxi drivers, waiters,” he said. He revealed that the tourist

3.6 % Jan 2013 P155,308 million Nov 2012 P 5,381 billion Nov 2012

9. National Government Revenues

Month

More hype for DC as tourist destination

100

LANDMARKS. Jason Magnaye, officer-in-charge of the Davao City Investment and Promotion Center, shows off one of the three landmarks recently constructed at the border of Davao City to welcome

travelers and visitors entering the city during yesterday’s I-Speak media forum at the City Hall of Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

arrivals in 2012 registered 1.075 million as reported by large and small hotels in the city. “From the looks of it, at the very least, we had 1, 075,000 people benefitted from the tourist arrival last year,” Magnaye said. Managye recalled that in 2011, tourist arrival- record was 744,275. “The 2012 figure in tourist arrival is equivalent to 45 percent increase in tourist arrival compared to 2011,” Magnaye said. He attributed the influx of visitors to the many events conducted last year in the city ranging from various conventions to traditional activities like Araw ng Dabaw and Kadayawan Festival, availability of new flights connecting Davao to other areas of destination in the country. Magnaye said many establishments also opened in 2012 like the malls, convention centers and new resorts. “They provided more reasons for people to come,” he said. Magnaye said that this summer, he expects a surge of 15 percent or 30 to 40,000 visitors per month compared to previous years. [PiA 11/Joey Sem G. Dalumpines]

Australian firm scouts skilled workers

NOTHeR employment agency based in Australia conducted series of trade tests recently in Tagum City to scout and hire skilled workers in this part of Mindanao. Tim Hutchison, general manager for projects of the OnServices Group, Australia’s largest meat processing plant based in Brisbane, Queensland, personally supervised the trade test for deboning held at the Tagum City Slaughterhouse last April 16, 2013 which was also observed by Mayor Rey T. Uy. Unlike previous trade tests for butchering held in Tagum City, this is the first trade test for deboning in the city and was participated by about 50 deboners—three of whom are females—from Tagum, Digos, Davao City and some areas in Davao Region. Hutchison disclosed in an interview that they intend to hire Tagum-based skilled workers and will soon be deployed in Australia to augment their working force. He mentioned that they’ve been conducting trade tests in

The Soccsksargen (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos City) area alone in Mindanao is losing P100 million a month due to rotating blackouts. The losses were recorded in March and April when the blackouts lasted four to seven hours daily. BusinessMirror, April 12-13, 2013

TRADE TEST. Tagum City Mayor Rey T. Uy and Tim Hutchison, general manager for projects of the OnServices Group, Australia’s largest meat processing plant based in Brisbane, Queensland, personalPampanga before they decided to conduct the same here in Tagum, which was prompted by a Tagum-trained butcher who encouraged them to come to Tagum. Tagum City veterinarian Jesus G. edullantes said the deboning skills will soon be in-

3.33

THE GOVERNMENT, through the Board of Investments, has granted fiscal incentives for Philnewenergy’s P3.33-billion solar power project in Darong, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur. The firm’s solar photovoltaic power plant will start commercial operation by March 2015 and is expected to employ 93 people.

ly supervise the trade test for deboning last April 16, 2013 at the Tagum City Slaughterhouse. [Louie Lapat/CIO Tagum]

cluded in the community skills training program spearheaded by the local government as an answer to the latest demand in Australia. The said training program already produced 264 world-class butchers who are now working either in Australia or in Canada.

9,743

HONDA Cars Philippines Inc. (HCPI) on Thursday said it is recalling 9,743 units of Honda Civic 2001 to 2002, and CR-V 2002 models because of a faulty inflation device for the front passenger airbag. BuSIneSSMIrror, AprIl 12-13, 2013

The city veterinarian also mentioned the local government is now planning to transfer the city’s slaughterhouse from its present site in Tipaz, Barangay Magugpo east to the city-acquired property in Barangay Magdum. [Louie Lapat/ CiO Tagum]

49.8

MISS KRIS AQUINO, youngest sister of President Noynoy Aquino, paid P49.8 million in income tax, making her the No.1 top individual taxpayer in the country, as against the richest Filipino businessmen listed in Forbes magazine.

8 VANTAGE POINTS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 25 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 19-20, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

The Lost Sheep: Rescue or Deny? COMMENTARY By Fr. Joel TaBora, SJ

EDITORIAL

Accolades and ironies

AvAO City is the country’s child-friendliest city. Yes, the city won the award for the highly-urbanized cities category in the nationwide search for child-friendly cities and municipalities. it is the third time that Davao City bagged the significant award, the first one coming in 1998 and the second one in 1999. For this achievement, kudos should be in order for those responsible for pushing for the local legislation of child welfare programs, early childhood care and development, and mainstreaming of local development plan to the executive agenda. The award should boost Davao City’s image in terms of good governance, tourism and investment. it surely adds a feather to the decorated cap in the short but significant tenure of Mayor Sara Duterte who will officially bow out of office by June 30. With this award, Mayor Sara’s legacy is already cemented in the history of the city. Despite the accolade as the child-friendliest city, there still is much to be desired

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of the child welfare programs in Davao and how authorities and responsible agencies implement legislations and programs. in reality, there are still many children out there who still roam the streets late in the night either as urchins or as peddlers of food or cigarettes. They hop from drinking joints to another selling peanuts or chips. Some hang around food chain drive-thru sections and ask for alms from motorists. City officials may not be aware of this. They may already be sound asleep when these kids are roaming around when they should have been tucked in bed. Perhaps, officials better come out and check this personally so they would know in case they are not aware. That’s the stark reality. Award or no award, the city better do something about this. it may not be in the parameters for judging LGUs best practices in terms of child-friendly programs but it surely is very ironic to be the country’s child-friendliest and yet see kids littering around begging and working late at night.

ARLENE D. PASAJE Cartoons

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(2nd of three parts)

iFTY years ago, it was inconceivable that a Filipino Catholic think of leaving the Church; that was pretty much the same way it was throughout the Church. Fifty years ago, we were warned against talking to Protestants, no matter the shade of Protestantism, and forbidden to go into their houses of worship. For some reason, even though they believed in Jesus Christ, they had it all wrong. Fifty years ago, we were taught it would be better to die rather than leave the Catholic Church. What has happened between then and now? While it is still held that God saves us through the Catholic Church, there is a greater appreciation of the fact that God loves all in the world, in its religious and cultural diversity, and wills the redemption of all. He therefore calls all to redemption through his Church in ways our theologians, religious educators, historians and social scientists may never have conceived nor can ever adequately explain. So even though we may consider the Catholic communion to have a fullness of grace and favor in our Scriptures, tradition, and sacraments, we acknowledge the holiness that is present in other communities that recognize Jesus as Savior and revere God’s word in the Sacred Scripture. Similarly, we acknowledge the holiness also present in communities of meditating Buddhists, worshipping Muslims, and praying Lumads. In this context, from within the Catholic Church, there is a disavowal of triumphalism, a drive towards honest humility, a rejection forever of forcing anyone to embrace the faith against his or her will, especially through war and violence, a desire to worship the Father through Jesus through genuine faith, not faith that is coerced, nor impelled by a conscience that is naïve, disrespected and dictated upon, but faith that is authentic, self-possessed and genuinely responsive to God. What has also happened is sin and failure, which has seriously eroded the credibility of the Church. Where religious are vowed to chastity and priests are promised to celibacy, violations of these sacred commitments militate against the credibility of the Church and of her ministers. Where the holiness of the Church is a good so urgently yearned for in this aggressively secularized world, the scandal of widespread sexual abuse of minors by clergy, wherever it has happened, disfigures this holiness almost beyond repair. At the same time, moral failure is not confined to the clergy and religious. Marital infidelity is arguably more serious than individual failures in sexual morality, as are grievous sins against the name and property of others, egregious corruption in public and private institutions, and utter failure to credibly promote the common good in our plural society. if we are a communion of the disciples of Jesus Christ, why do we still have large numbers among us who are intolerably poor? Why are we still destroying the environment which impacts most seriously on the lowly? Why have we not better addressed the problem of ignorance in our midst, including ignorance of basic tenets of the Church? Why do we still try to settle disputes by deploying soldiers of war? it is in this context, I think, that the local Church’s choice to focus on the issues related to reproductive health emerges as an important concern – but as only one among many truly urgent concerns.

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 25 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 19-20, 2013

Face off:

VANTAGE POINTS

Wrong and twisted logic

Party-list system open to everybody

“

THE party-list system is intended to democratize political power by giving political parties that cannot win in legislative district elections a chance to win seats in the House of Representatives.

”

--Senior Justice Antonio T. Carpio,

in his ponencia that the party-list system be opened to the privileged and the powerful as well.

“

THE party-list system …is not about mere political plurality, but plurality with a heart for the poor and disadvantaged.

”

--CHIEF JUSTICE Maria Lourdes P.A. Sereno, in opposing the ponencia of Senior Justice Antonio T. Carpio.

Peace is so near and yet so far

O near and yet so far…The peace accord between the Moro islamic Liberation Front (MiLF) and the government is within grasp and yet it is so fraught with great as the possibility the negotiation winding up. Truce will be a new beginning of sustainable development of the Bangsamoro land and the start of interfaith dialogue and cooperation. in tandem the multi-nation aid for various rehabilitation and development program will no longer come in trickles for the donor countries will see a more definitive program that can be supervised to fruition. The absence of conflict or threats that will disturb peace is a condition that will ensure

OPINION By Menardo WenceSlao the progress of Mindanao. On the other hand, if by quirk of fate negotiation will again retreat to the conflict mode, we do not think that the chances for conciliation of issues will go through an easy path that when it started. We hate to speculate on the consequence. But surely this will usher in a specter of doom in the conflict areas and uncertainty in most parts of Mindanao. What remains to be certain is that the donor countries which had been giving rehabilitation aid will ultimately abandon a region

that simply refuses the prospects of peace. Unfortunately the losers and the victims will be the overwhelming majority to have gotten tired of wars and meaningless opportunity for wider autonomous territories and other demands. Now they have set a new deadline for the final peace agreement to be signed. Another year of waiting. After all the talks and suspension of talks we cannot find any more rational reasons to put on hold the signing of an enduring peace accord. Peace is what everybody years for and that should reign supreme in the minds of the MiLF and government peace negotiators.

He NeCeSSiTY TO PROviDe ReLieF TO THe NATiON’S POOR FA R M e RS – The Aquino administration promised to look into the problems raised by the farmers. Seeing the need to broaden and strengthen the commitment of the government in addressing the recurring problems besetting the farmers, the Department of Agriculture (DA) is allocating P500 million for programs that will encourage more farmers to plant hybrid rice varieties. The government’s move aims to attain national rice efficiency by the end of year, according to DA officials. At the outset, the present dispensation through the DA expressed support for the farmers by assuring peasant leaders that the government intends to act to the extent of its capabilities to provide relief to the nation’s agriculture sector notably the rice farmers. The agriculture department which allocate and generate funds indicated the government’s resolve on the prevailing farmers’ concerns. But peasant leaders raised other issues citing as example the present situation, in which the farmers notably those in well-irrigated farm lands are on the verge of their major harvest for the year, but the National Food Authority (NFA) was not buying enough palay to make the country’s farms more viable. Different farmers’ groups wanted the NFA to raise the buying price of palay from P12-13 for class B dry to P15 and from P14.50 to P17 per kilo for good class dry. With the NFA not buying enough of the local farmers’ palay production, the situation had become intolerable, thereby leaving the poor farmers and consumers at the mercy of unscrupulous middlemen. Another problem confronting the poor farmers is that despite government’s act expressing noble intentions to address their pressing concerns, the reality was that the number of lands devoted to rice production had dropped and the income of the average farmer had tremendously suffered. Of course, the farmers were thankful but remained adamant about the DA’s plan to allocate P500 million for the country’s rice production program using high-yielding varieties. The situation, particularly after the devastation caused by typhoons and frequent flooding has become desperate in many rice-producing areas. More than that, farmers seemed unease with the situation because the feel the NFA was not fully committed to buy palay at higher prices and could cover only less than twenty percent of total national production. Aghast and disgusted farmers construed the NFA cannot possibly meet the desired buying mark of 20-30 percent with the status of its current funds, which is at the point of exhausting it. Unfortunately, the DA was not able to narrow down the farmer’s problems despite its much-vaunted P500 million appropriation for palay production program. The farmers’ demand could not be meet if the NFA, one of DA’s line agencies talked more about the lack of funds for buying palay instead of looking for other sources. Sad to lament, though, different farmer’s organizations were stunned to learn lately that the DA and NFA are committed to import 88,000 metric tons of rice from Cambodia to serve as buffer stock during the lean months. Goodness gracious! What an irony! Here’s now a situation where government reportedly lacks the needed funds to buy palay from local farmers at higher prices, yet it has the audacity to import rice from other countries worth several million dollars. What’s your point, gentlemen? Many people, farmers in particular, probably have never heard about this. Just recently high-profile agriculture officials bragged about that the Philippines will ship 50 MT of high-value rice or the so-called “fancy variety” to Hong Kong and Dubai in the United Arab emirates this month as part of the government’s plan to use the staple to enter the global rice trade. is this something to be proud about? A question that needs an appropriate answer, isn’t it? As a result, we now have a big discrepancy between what the government imports and what it plans to export. In simple terms it’s a wrong and twisted logic.

10 NATION/WORLD

VOL. 6 ISSUE 25 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 19-20, 2013

Fertilizer Plant Explosion

EDGEDAVAO

Massive deaths feared in Texas Fifteen people reported killed but the death toll could rise to 60 or 70

massive explosion at a fertiliser plant in Texas has devastated a town, levelling buildings, setting others on fire and causing casualties that authorities fear could run into the hundreds. The blast shook the earth and rolled a huge fireball through the town of West at about 8pm local time on Wednesday , witnesses said, destroying homes and businesses. “it was a like a nuclear bomb went off,” the mayor, Tommy Muska, told reporters. “Big old mushroom cloud. There are a lot of people that got hurt. There are a lot of people that will not be here tomorrow.” As of 7:00 pm (PHL Time), 15 people have been reported killed. earlier dispatch reported that two people were immediately killed but the death toll could rise to 60 or 70, said George Smith, an emergency management system director. “That’s a really rough number, i’m getting that figure from firefighters, we don’t know yet.” Firefighters were feared to be among

the casualties. Glenn Robinson, chief executive of Hillcrest Baptist Medical Centre in Waco, 18 miles south of the town, told CNN his hospital had treated 66 people, including 38 who were seriously hurt with blast injuries and lacerations. David Argueta, vice-president of hospital operations, said staff had treated lacerations and orthopaedic-type injuries. “We are being told that we have seen most of the patients, and it’s now turned into a searchand-rescue operation on scene.” A spokesman for the Texas department of public safety, DL Wilson, told Reuters the blast had probably caused “hundreds of casualties”. A nursing home had collapsed and people were believed trapped inside, he said. it registered as an earth tremor of magnitude 2.1. West, located in McLennan county in central Texas, is about 80 miles south of Dallas. it has a population of 2,700. The blast from its fertiliser plant was heard at least 45 miles away.

TEXAS EXPLOSION. A fire burns a fertilizer plant in West, Texas after an explosion on Wednesday (Thursday, PHL Time), April 17, 2013. Television pictures showed apocalyptic scenes of fire and smoke from ruined buildings close to the factory. There was no immediate confirmation on what caused the apparent accident, which followed a terrorist attack in Boston. US Representative Bill Flores, whose district includes West, told CNN he doubted foul play was involved. “i would not expect sabotage by any stretch of the imagination.” Warning signs preceded the blast. A teacher, Debby Marak, 58, told the Associated Press that

after teaching religion class she noticed a lot of smoke coming from the area across town near the plant, which is near the nursing home. When she drove over to investigate two boys ran toward her screaming that authorities told them to leave because the plant was going to explode. She said she drove about a block before the blast happened. “it was like being in a tornado. Stuff was flying everywhere. it blew out my windshield. it was like the whole earth shook.” Her husband, who was in another part of town when the blast hit, told

her a huge fireball rose like “a mushroom cloud”. Hours later Tv helicopters showed fires still smouldering in the factory and nearby buildings, including what appeared to be a school. Firefighters expressed concern about anhydrous ammonia, a gas used in fertiliser which can poison and cause severe burns. State troopers in gas masks set up roadblocks and directed traffic away from the scene. The Red Cross was working with emergency management officials in West to shelter displaced and evacuated residents.

Lydia Zimmerman told the KWTX station that she, her husband and daughter were in their garden in Bynum, 13 miles from West, when they heard multiple blasts. “it sounded like three bombs going off very close to us,” she said. The explosion came two days before the 20th anniversary of a conflagration in Waco when federal agents ended a siege by storming the compound of David Koresh and his Branch Davidian sect followers, resulting in the death of 82 members of the sect and four federal agents.

At the same time, the top House official assured the public that lawmakers will follow provisions in the Constitution the moment the government allows US forces to stay in military bases in the country. eastern Samar Rep. Ben evardone, ally of President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, clarified the re-stationing of US military forces in the country would only happen in “extreme emergency cases.” evardone noted critics of U.S. bases have nothing to fear, claiming that the Aquino government has a track record of complying

with legal requirements. Western Samar Rep. Mel Senen Sarmiento vowed to stand by with the Constitution. “As mentioned by Malacanang, they will comply with the mandate of the Constitution, and knowing the sincerity of the President, he will stand by it,” Sarmiento said. Meanwhile, Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe urged critics to support such move since the problem in the Korean peninsula will affect whole Asia-Pacific region. “Needless to say, we are concerned about the saber-rattling and mili-

tary adventurism of North Korea as this will affect us politically and economically,” Batocabe said. But Youth Against Corruption and Poverty (YACAP) party-list Rep. Carol Jayne Lopez reminded the Aquino administration that “agreements should protect and not endanger our own interests.” The lawmakers issued the statements after Defense Secretary voltaire Gazmin clarified that the possible return of the US bases in the country would be temporary and could only happen if “there was going to be an actual shooting war.”

Belmonte backs proposals to allow U.S. bases in PHL

TEXAS EXPLOSION. Another view of the explosion of a Texas fertilizer plant shows a billow of smoke rising to the skies.

uips ‘OUR teachers are used to making heroic sacrifices. But we do not need dead heroes.’

--Education Secretary Armin Luistro, after signing agreements for the insurance and protection of 240,000 public school teachers to serve as election inspectors in the May 13 elections.

He House of Representatives will support proposals to have American military bases re-stationed in the country amid the North and South Korea conflict. But Speaker Feliciano “Sonny” Belmonte Jr. assured they would only back the temporary stationing of U.S. bases should a war breaks out in the Korean peninsula. “i’m against the permanent return of the US military bases, but temporary contingency of their bases may be needed for our security. Meaning only temporary,” Belmonte said.

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 25 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 19-20, 2013 In Davao Oriental

Army official upbeat in eradicating insurgency D

ROAD HAZARD. A hauler and a container van trailer pose danger to motorists passing along Doña Pilar Road in Sasa, Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

5 pushers busted...

FFROM 1

Karon, male 30; Daud Ali Malang, male, 40; and Mama Samilon Salila, male, 40. Rabadon was arrested late Wednesday afternoon after some P320,000 worth of methamphetamine hydrochloride commonly known as “shabu” were seized from her in a buy-bust operation in Tagum City. Rabadon, 28 years old, single and a resident of Purok Talisay, No. 55, Briz District, Barangay Magugpo, east, Tagum City, Davao del Norte, reportedly gets her supply of illegal drugs from the five arrested suppliers. According PDeA 11 director emerson Rosales, the illegal drug suppliers came from Cotabato City and P20,000 worth of sus-

pected methamphetamine in a sachet were seized from the suspects. The suspects are now temporarily detained at Davao City Police Office detention facility and will be charged with violation of Section 5 “Sale of Dangerous Drugs” and Section 11 “Possession of Dangerous Drugs” Article ii of Republic Act 9165 otherwise known as “The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002” The suspected illegal drugs seized were submitted to Regional Laboratory of PDeA 11 for laboratory examination. Philippine Drug enforcement Agency (PDeA) region11 deputy regional director Joel Plaza together with in-

tel Section of Davao del Norte Provincial Police Office police superintendent Glenn Cristines led the buy-bust operation which yielded one big sachet of suspected shabu weighing around five grams and valued at P21,000 and another six big sachets of suspected shabu weighing more or less 30 grams worth P320,000. The marked money used in the buy-bust operation as well as the boodle money bill were also recovered from Rabadon’s possession. According to a PDeA 11 press release, the collaborative effort of PDeA 11 and DCPO served as a warning to all drug perpetrators the two agencies are closely working together in the fight against illegal drugs.

to overlay asphalt on portions of concrete national roads to counter the volume of traffic and the ever increasing weight of vehicles using the national highways 24 hours daily. “Asphalt overlay is part of maintenance and we have started doing it on Davao City’s major roads like Quimpo Boulevard, Sasa, Panacan and Buhangin,” he said. He stressed the

importance of maintenance work on national roads and bridges so that the traffic of goods, services and people vital to the economic life of the country will not be hampered by poor road conditions. On the other hand, DPWH 11 is also prioritizing the construction and completion of bridges, including their approaches equivalent to 1,598.98 linear meters over 10.5 kilome-

ters. in another development, the 120-meter Kalaw Bridge along the Davao-Agusan Road at Monkayo, Compostela valley Province has been reconstructed, it being a very important link along the Davao-Agusan Road as it connects Northern Mindanao with Southern Mindanao where people, goods and services pass 24 hours daily.

P3.25M...

FFROM 2

AvAO CiTY, April 18 (PNA) -- A top military officer expressed confidence that the insurgency problem in Davao Oriental will totally die down as the government and stakeholders continue to reach out and strengthen the effort to assist formers start life anew. Col. Rey Leonardo Guerrero, commander of the 701st infantry Brigade, said the provision of livelihood checks to the nine rebel returnees only shows the seriousness of government to address the roots of insurgency. “This endeavor proves that the government, along with its various agencies, civic and volunteer organization partners, are sincere in resolving insurgency in the country,” he said. Lt. isis Achanzar, 701st iB’s civil military officer, said that nine former rebels received a total of P495, 000 livelihood assistance during the

launching of the halfway house for former rebels and the turnover of the insurgency campaign from the military to the local government of Davao Oriental last week. The amount was divided equally to the returnees with each of them receiving P55, 000. She recalled that 80 former rebels in the area were also given livelihood training skills and financial assistance in 2012. “Majority of them avail of the services from government provided through the halfway house in Barangay Don Martin Marundan in Mati City, Davao Oriental,” Achanzar said. Governor Corazon Malanyaon of Davao Oriental said the halfway house is designed to prepare the former rebels to be integrated back to their community. She said facility will provide comprehensive services such as counseling

sessions, spiritual enrichment services, educational services, health services, skills and livelihood trainings, sports development, therapy session and workshops coming from various agencies. “With all these interventions, we look at the half-way house as a project that will provide an environment for the total healing and preparation of rebel returnees for complete integration in mainstream society,” Malanyaon said. One of the recipients could hardly believe that he is one of the beneficiaries. Angelo Corte was overwhelmed and thanked the government that despite their involvement in the rebel group, they were given a chance to return to the folds of the law. “i am very thankful that even being a rebel before, i can still benefit such things from the government,” he said. (PNA)

non, the Durian and Kalabaw landmark in Toril will greet visitors coming from General Santos City while the Waling-waling in Lasang welcomes visitors coming by way of Tagum City. Magnaye explained that the landmarks were designed to ex-

press the city’s beauty, it’s abundance of fruits and being the original habitat of the Philippine eagle. “The landmarks will have the impact of Davao being a tourist destination by itself and gives a sense of feeling that one is really here in Davao City,”

Magnaye said, adding that the city will soon be setting up fences and lights at the welcome landmark for their preservation. “i think this will really enhance Davao’s tourism, i can say so, because all these landmarks are really enticing,” he said.

Three new...

FFROM 2

NBA Playoffs schedule...

WeSTeRN CONFeReNCe OKLAHOMA CiTY THUNDeR (1) vS. HOUSTON ROCKeTS (8) Game 1 @Oklahoma City: Sunday, 9:30 p.m. eT, TNT Game 2 @Oklahoma City: Wednesday, 7 p.m. eT, TNT Game 3 @Houston: April 27, 9:30 p.m. eT, eSPN Game 4 @Houston: April 29 x-Game 5 @Oklahoma City: May 1 x-Game 6 @Houston: May 3 x-Game 7 @Oklahoma City: May 5 SAN ANTONiO SPURS (2) vS. LOS ANGeLeS LAKeRS (7) Game 1 @San Antonio: Sunday, 3:30 p.m. eT, ABC Game 2 @San Antonio: Wednesday, 9:30 p.m. eT, TNT Game 3 @Los Angeles: April 26, 10:30 p.m. eT, eSPN Game 4 @Los Angeles: April 28, 7 p.m. eT, TNT x-Game 5 @San Antonio: April 30, x-Game 6 @Los Angeles: May 2 x-Game 7 @San Antonio: May 4 DeNveR NUGGeTS (3) vS. GOLDeN

FFROM 15

STATe WARRiORS (6) Game 1 @Denver: Saturday, 5:30 p.m. eT, eSPN Game 2 @Denver: Tuesday, 10:30 p.m. eT, TNT Game 3 @Golden State: April 26, 10:30 p.m. eSPN2 Game 4 @Golden State: April 28, 9:30 p.m. eT, TNT x-Game 5 @Denver: April 30 x-Game 6 @Golden State: May 2 x-Game 7 @Denver: May 4 LOS ANGeLeS CLiPPeRS (4) vS. MeMPHiS GRiZZLieS (5) Game 1 @Los Angeles: Saturday, 10:30 p.m. eT, eSPN Game 2 @Los Angeles: Monday, 10:30 p.m. eT, TNT Game 3 @Memphis: April 25, 9:30 p.m. eT, TNT Game 4 @Memphis: April 27, 4:30 p.m. eT, TNT x-Game 5 @Los Angeles: April 30 x-Game 6 @Memphis: May 3 x-Game 7 @Los Angeles: May 5 “x” = if necessary

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VOL. 6 ISSUE 25 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 19-20, 2013

Realty

EDGEDAVAO

Health and Wellness

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Notice is hereby given by LOYOLA PLANS CONSOLiDATeD iNC. that CeRTiFiCATe OF FULL PAYMeNT No.(s) 1003075 under LOYOLA PLAN Contract No.(s) vvv12289393/36613-7 issued to Fernandez, Rose A. was lost. Any transaction entered into shall be null and void.

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EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 25 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 19-20, 2013 COMMUNITY SENSE

EDGEDavao

Serving a seamless society

Sales Representatives (2) - Male / Female, not more than 30 years old - Candidate must posses a Bachelor/ College Degree in any Business field. - Willing to work under pressure, flexible, persuasive, can speak fluently and computer literate - A team player - With Basic Salary, Transportation, Communication, allowance + Commission For interested applicants, you may send your resume to: HR Department EDGEDavao Doors 13 & 14 Alcrej B;dg., Quirino Ave., Davao City Tel. No. (082) 221-3601 Email: edgedavao@gmail.com

SCHOLARSHIP. Reina P. Lino, programme administrator, presents the New Zealand Academic Scholarship

Awards for 2014 which offers full post-graduate scholarship to 18 eligible Filipinos. (NJB)

Pablo victims receive 1.6 M food packs

total of 230,000 typhoon-affected families received nearly 1.6 million food packs and other vital food assistance from the national government, local government units, the World Food Program and other United Nations groups and non-government organization, since the relief and rehabilitation started for the typhoon Pablo devastated areas in the region. Beatrice Tapawan, program officer of World Food Programme (WFP) reported in the recent

TS Pablo inter-Cluster meeting that 75 percent of family food packs came from Department of Social Welfare and Development and WFP, 18 percent from the Local Government Units while 7 percent was the share of other United Nations groups and international NGOs. She said that for the emergency School Feeding, almost 80,000 school children in 260 schools received hot and nutritious meals each day. “The food and non-

food cluster on TS Pablo has established four humanitarian hubs, transported cargo from 30 planes, deployed 1,200 trucks and delivered over 25,000 metric tons of food and non-food items,” Tapawan said She said that through the Food for Work and Food for Training as well as Cash For Work and Cash for Training, the cluster carried out more than 200 projects with over 58,000 participants thus ensuring food security and spurring early recovery. [DSWD]

14 SPORTS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 25 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 19-20, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

Melo wins scoring title L

DACHEA 2013 CHAMPS. The Vice Mayor’s Office-powered Sangguniang Panlungsod led by hotshot Christopher “Bong” Go (18) pose for posterity after winning the 76th Araw ng Dabaw - Dachea Basketball Tournament Cat-

egory A title on Tuesday at the Davao City Recreation Center Almendras Gym. SP defeated defending champion General Services Office, 93 - 81, in Game 2 to sweep the best of three title series.

OS ANGeLeS – New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony was assured of winning the NBA scoring title Wednesday when Oklahoma City Thunder star Kevin Durant sat out the season finale against Milwaukee. Durant, who led the league in scoring in each of the previous three seasons, trailed Anthony for the scoring title by a fraction of a point going into the final night of the regular season. Anthony averaged 28.7 points per game and Durant 28.1. Anthony had been on fire in April, averaging at least 37 points per game since April 1. Fifteen games were on the slate on Wednesday, but both Anthony and Durant were among the many absentees as teams girded for their playoff campaigns. Oklahoma City, hosting the Bucks, had already secured the top seed in the Western Conference.

The Thunder closed the regular season with a 9589 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. Anthony was among the regular Knicks starters who didn’t play against Atlanta, a team of Knicks reserves beating the Hawks 98-92. Journeyman center earl Barron, who was signed by the Knicks on Wednesday shortly after veteran Rasheed Wallace announced his retirement, scored 11 points and grabbed 18 rebounds for New York. James White added 20 points and iman Shumpert finished with 18, eight assists and seven rebounds. Although they rested key players, the Knicks saw yet another man go down with an injury as guard Pablo Prigioni twisted his ankle and left the contest. Mike Scott scored 23 points with 14 rebounds for Atlanta, who are the sixth seed in the East.

ARANGAY Ginebra once more tried but failed to get Japeth Aguilar on board just before the trade deadline after a deal with Globalport did not pull through. Ginebra tried to work out a trade for Aguilar and former player Willie Miller in exchange for seldom-used big man Yousif Taha, elmer espiritu, and Robert Labagala. The deal, however, failed to push through as the deadline for player movements lapsed on Thursday, although Ginebra did manage to acquire Fil-Am guard Josh Urbiztondo from Barako Bull in another trade for rookie Keith Jensen and a future second-round pick. “Gusto kasi nung isang team, i-maintain yung mga players nila up to the third conference. Nag-a-adjust pa kasi (yung players sa isat-isa),” said the source on the aborted trade. The failed bid was confirmed by sources from the two camps. “Tingin ko malabo na yan, kasi maikli na rin yung panahon para sa preparasyon. Mabubulabog yung team nung isa. Huwebes na ngayon, Sabado yung laban (ng Gine-

bra). Paano isisingit (si Aguilar) sa rotation?” said another source. Aguilar has long been on the radar of Ginebra, and was in fact bound for the Kings camp under the original terms of a sixteam, multi-player deal put together by five teams prior to the start of the Commissioner’s Cup. When San Miguel Corp. suddenly pulled out of the transaction, former Talk ‘N Text mainstay Aguilar ended up at Globalport which has since made the former US NCAA Division i player a fixture in its starting rotation. Swinging a deal for Aguilar at this time has become more difficult for Ginebra, especially with Globalport owner Mikee Romero standing path on his belief that the former Ateneo center can be a major piece in Batang Pier’s ambition to build a future championship contender. There were also doubts that even if the two sides managed to agree on the swap, the deal would get the approval of the PBA Commissioner’s Office under the terms laid down by Ginebra.

Ginebra fails to tab Japeth B

INdulge!

VOL. 6 ISSUE 25 â&#x20AC;˘ FRIDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 19-20, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

STYLE

Wild at heart and visually young, Cheap Monday unleashes an eclectic spring/summer 2013 outing that showcases the Swedish labelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s signature denim, distressed and ripped with all the right accents. dressed in fluorescent colors, accessories and shirts make a bright impact, while sweaters are shown in mesh finishes. Rounding out a quirky lineup that calls attention to the fun spirit, t-shirts are adorned with loud graphics and statements. Cheap Monday is available at Bauhaus located at the second floor of Abreeza Mall, davao.

The collection features classic pieces that are largely inspired by aliens, androgynous silhouettes, strong, weird and genderless themes.

A2 INdulge! UP AND ABOUT

PAL first PH carrier to offer inflight phone, Wi-Fi service

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 25 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 19-20, 2013

Creative organizing from Ace Hardware With all the shoes, accessories, neckties, and even personal care items one accumulates over the years, visibility is key in letting one know what we have in store. having these items within reach is also important, so one dressing up does not always have to be a big production.

PhiLiPPiNE Airlines (PAL) will be the first Philippine-based carrier to offer its passengers both GSM and Wi-Fi internet, giving them the choice to call, text, tweet, email and surf the Net while flying across PAL’s extensive network in Asia Pacific, Australasia and North America.

Mobile OnAir and internet OnAir, two services of Geneva-based OnAir – a global service provider of inflight connectivity solutions – will be retrofitted on PAL’s Airbus A330-343s and Boeing B777-300ERs starting next month. The global GSM and Wi-Fi services will be launched by midyear. With state-of-the-art inflight connectivity, PAL expects to bring passenger experience to a whole new level, especially since the flag carrier is in the midst of an aggressive fleet expansion program. The airline recently signed a US$7-billion deal to acquire 64 brand new single aisle and wide body aircraft from Airbus, with more scheduled for acquisition. “As the country’s leading airline, we must enable our passengers to stay in touch during flights. Connectivity is an absolute requirement for today’s travellers,” PAL president and COO Ramon Ang said. “it’s important for us and our customers to have a service that is global, of high quality and flexible enough to suit the needs of all passengers,” he added. PAL is confident it can provide consistent connectivity on all flights using the A330 and B777 because of OnAir’s unique coverage. The company has regulatory approvals from over 90 countries, as well as roaming agreements with more than 350 mobile network operators. Also, OnAir uses inmarsat’s SwiftBroadband network, the only one designed specifically to provide worldwide satellite coverage. “Passengers use of the inflight GSM and Wi-Fi networks mirrors behavior on the ground, which is why having both is so important,” said ian Dawkins, OnAir CEO. “When both GSM and Wi-Fi are available, over 90% of passengers use GSM. Simply turn on your phone or tablet and use it for calls, text messages, emails, updating Facebook and Twitter, as well as the internet. No need to enter your credit card details because the costs are included in your mobile phone bill, as with international roaming. People typically use the Wi-Fi for business. it is more suitable for heavier email and internet usage. We give passengers the choice.”

ACE hardware has creative organizing solutions that will help us organize clutter, simplify storage and generally minimize stress. And you will be amazed how simple household products can be transformed into cool organizers. Store and display your accessories in style using curtain rods and shower hooks for necklaces, mini adhesive hooks for earrings, and tissue holders for stacking up bangles. Up cycled white metal braces can be used to create an easy access for your high- heeled shoes, while stainless steel towel racks can double up as bags and belt organizers. Using aluminum hanger racks for neckties would also help to save more floor space in

your home to store items. Using wall shelves is another way to organize and eliminate clutter in your Keep your necklaces visible and tangle free by hanging them on a home, while providing dec- curtain rod with Interdesign’s Clear Forma Shower Hooks orative designs solutions at the same time. Cubbies can be perfect bag holders, while square shelves will help keep scarves in place. The best thing is that these can be combined with other pieces as your collection grows. Clear bath and vanity trays can store all your toiletries, perfumes and other personal care items within reach and make your counter tops neat and organized. You can find these creative storage solutions in selected ACE hardware, ACE Express and ACE Builders stores or you may visit our website at www. acehardware.ph.

Store your favorite bags in Basic Link cube shelves that can easily be combined with other pieces to create a customized wall space.

Use these Fixon Adhesive Mini Hooks to keep your earrings organized.

A keeper. This Stainless Steel Hava Towel Rack organizer makes it easy to store your bags and belts.

Time to stock up on basic and fashion items while enjoying great savings at the SM Kids’ Fashion KIDS’ SALE from April 1 to 30 at all SM Stores nationwide!

Keep your ties in order in this aluminum hanger rack.

Store your scarves in style in Basic Link Square Shelves.

VOL. 6 ISSUE 25 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 19-20, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

ENTERTAiNMENT

Matt Damon shares memories of Boston Marathon in preattack essay for Boston Globe MATT Damon ‘s devotion to the Boston area is well known.

The actor wrote a piece for the Boston Globe last month, reflecting on the city’s famed marathon that both his father and brother ran multiple times. And since Monday’s events, the piece is even more poignant. “i’ll never forget standing there in the crowd with my brother, Kyle, as we looked first for Bill Rodgers, and then, in the very same race as some of the most talented runners on earth, our smiling (and grimacing) 40-year-old dad,” Damon wrote. After going further into his father’s race, the actor said, “The word ‘Boston’ is itself a hallmark in the international running community, forging a bond by the very sound of it between all who count themselves among its ranks and those who aspire to them. “The strict qualifying standards, originally implemented to thin the growing field, ironically, today only enhance the race’s appeal to people whose primary motivation in running is not medals. Now many run

1 2 : 6 + 2 : , 1 * 1:30 4:00 6:30 9:00

1:15 3:50 6:25 9:00

1:00 3:40 6:20 9:00

G.I JOE 2: RETALIATION 2D (PG-13)

12:30 3:10 5:50 8:30

IT TAKES A MAN AND A WOMAN 2D

(GP)

for a slimmer waistline, a healthier lifestyle, or simply the challenge of completing 26.2 miles.” The star noted that his brother “fell victim to the Boston Marathon’s seduction,” and would serve as a waterboy while he cheered his family on during their run. “The drama was enough to propel my brother to literally follow our dad’s footsteps and also run the race four times,” Damon recalled. “To this day both my father and brother have their bib numbers archived with their most prized possessions and

describe their experiences as some of the most emotional moments of their lives.” Damon ends the piece on a poignant note, with a sentiment that is even more powerful in light of the attacks of Monday. Writing about the altrustic spirit that many bring to the race, he wrote “These people are doing something good for themselves—and for others. how great is that?” Considering the acts of heroism and selfless action in response to those in need on Monday, his words are even more true now.

by the constant cameras when he arrived at the Budget ibis hotel earlier in the day. Mila Kunis’ ex wore sunglasses, a beige jacket and covered his face with a scarf, and he was rocking colorful nail polish in a variety of different shades. The troubled actor was forced to slam heroin-ad-

diction rumors after scary skinny and unhealthy photos emerged over the summer. Macaulay seemed to be displaying a healthier appearance as of late. Then again, the latest incident surely won’t help his rocky reputation. Culkin’s rep had no comment.

Macaulay Culkin’s screaming papparazzi attack in the U.K.

MACAULAY Culkin just pulled a Justin Bieber.

The former child star was caught cursing and screaming at photographers after leaving The haunt nightclub in Brighton, U.K., where he sang with pal Adam Green, who was putting on a concert at the popular hot spot. According to a source on the scene, Culkin was less than pleased with paps after the performance and proceeded to launch himself at a paparazzo upon exiting the club around 1 a.m. while attacking the shutterbug and telling him to go to hell. And no, he was not heard saying, “You guys give up? Or ya thirsty for more?” home Alone jokes aside, there’s no word yet as to what sparked the shutterbug smackdown, but Culkin seemed irked

APRIL 10, 2013

OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN 2D

(R13)

IT TAKES A MAN AND A WOMAN 2D (GP)

11:40 2:00 4:20 6:40 9:00

1:15 3:50 6:25 9:00

NARUTO 2D (PG-13)

OBLIVION 2D

(PG13)

1:00 3:40 6:20 9:00

OBLIVION 2D

(PG-13)

A4 INdulge! EVENTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 25 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 19-20, 2013

Blue Room shakes up Davao’s nightlife KEEping up with the changing times, Apo View hotel recently revealed the new look and fresh vibe of its bar, Blue Room, last Saturday, April 13. headlining the celebration were dJ Elmer dado + gruppo tribale, whose unique blend of tribal latin house music with live percussions had guests dancing all night long. guests also enjoyed a taste of their new drinks and bar chow conceptualized by Apo View hotel Executive Chef pablito Villando with president and CEO Chris pamintuan. davao’s partyphiles were seen sipping interesting cocktails, such as the refreshing Moscow Mule and the old fashioned Whiskey Sour, and believe it or not, the night’s top-selling food item was the Bulad Rice— an odd choice for bar chow but definitely a must-try! With the addition of new menu items to familiar favourites, all at even more reasonable prices, Blue Room is sure to rejuvenate davao’s nightlife. Blue Room is located at Apo View hotel, davao City’s first hotel and the country’s second longest running hotel. For more information on the hotel, contact (082) 221-6430 or visit www.apoview.com. For updates on Blue Room, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/blueroom.apoviewhotel.

Famed DJ Elmer Dado (far right) and Gruppo Tribale’s unique blend of tribal Latin house music with live percussions had the guests dancing all night

Carla Torre, Muchy Lavina, Amore Tarnante, Leah Duran and TJ Pamintuan.

Ada Angala, Avancena, Jayjay Angala, Mikaela.

Cebu Pacific’s SMILE Magazine team.

Gary Bautista, Carmen Smith, Evelyn Macintosh, sisters Charmaine and Claire Nazarro, Angel Arrozal, sisters Bethany, Katie, and Connie Macintosh.

TJ Pamintuan, Nicole Fernandez and friend Kim Liu and Kim Pamintuan.

Elbert Solon, Hiphouse girls Tine Serrano and Cheekie Albay, Dave Valles

Marijac Pamintuan, Victor Calamba, Apo View Hotel President Mau and Leah Abella, Ada Angala, Lorena Trinidad, Michelle Hambre, and CEO Chris Paminutan and Dingo Braganza. Katrina Avanvena-Monsod, Jayjay Angala and Pepper Trinidad.

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 25 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 19-20, 2013

SPORTS 15

Lakers make it

BROTHERS ACT. Pau Gasol (16) of the Los Angeles Lakers blocks a shot in this bit of action against the Houston Rockets on his way to a triple double night keying the Lakers to another stint in the playoffs despite the absence of injured

OS ANGeLeS (AP) -Dwight Howard had a simple message for the Lakers after Chandler Parsons’ 34foot, line-drive 3-pointer at the regulation buzzer added five more minutes to the final game of Los Angeles’ already exhausting regular season. Nothing has been easy for the Lakers all year long, Howard told his teammates. Why should the finale be any different? With five more minutes of perseverance, the Lakers ended up with quite a reward. After get-

ting up Wednesday morning with no guarantee their season wouldn’t end that night, they surged into the seventh playoff spot in the West with a 9995 overtime victory over the Houston Rockets. Steve Blake scored 24 points and Pau Gasol added his seventh career triple-double for the Lakers (45-37), who only clinched a postseason berth about 10 minutes before tipoff. Despite Parsons’ improbable tying basket, Los Angeles won again without Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash, earn-

NBA PLAYOFFS SCHEDULE

EASTERN CONFERENCE MiAMi HeAT (1) vS. MiLWAUKee BUCKS (8) Game 1 @Miami: Sunday, 7 p.m. eT, TNT Game 2 @Miami: Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. eT, NBA Tv Game 3 @Milwaukee: April 25, 7 p.m. eT, TNT Game 4 @Milwaukee: April 28, 3:30 p.m. eT, ABC x-Game 5 @Miami: April 30 x-Game 6 @Milwaukee: May 2 x-Game 7 @Miami: May 4 NEW YORK KNICKS (2) VS. BOSTON CELTICS (7) Game 1 @New York: Saturday, 3 p.m. eT, ABC Game 2 @New York: Tuesday, 8 p.m. eT, TNT Game 3 @Boston: April 26, 8 p.m. eT, eSPN Game 4 @Boston: April 28, 1 p.m. eT, ABC x-Game 5 @New York: May 1 x-Game 6 @Boston: May 3 x-Game 7 @New York: May 5 INDIANA PACERS (3) VS. ATLANTA HAWKS (6) Game 1 @indiana: Sunday, 1 p.m. eT, TNT Game 2 @indiana: Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. eT, NBA Tv Game 3 @Atlanta: April 27, 7 p.m. eT, eSPN Game 4 @Atlanta: April 29 x-Game 5 @Indiana: May 1 x-Game 6 @Atlanta: May 3 x-Game 7 @Indiana: May 5 BROOKLYN NETS (4) VS. CHICAGO BULLS (5) Game 1 @Brooklyn: Saturday, 8 p.m. eT, eSPN Game 2 @Brooklyn: Monday, 8 p.m. eT, TNT Game 3 @Chicago: April 25, 8:30 p.m. eT, NBA Tv Game 4 @Chicago: April 27, 2 p.m., TNT x-Game 5 @Brooklyn: April 29 x-Game 6 @Chicago: May 2 x-Game 7 @Brooklyn: May 4

FNBA PLAYOFFS SCHEDULE, 11

ing a first-round date with second-seeded San Antonio. ‘’i’m proud of the whole team and the way they stepped up at the end of the year,’’ said Blake, who added seven assists and seven rebounds to cap his second impressive game in Bryant’s absence. ‘’We definitely expected more at the beginning of the year, but we’re proud we’re here. ... i couldn’t believe it when a couple of days ago somebody said we even had a chance to be in the seventh spot, and now we’re there.’’

superstar Kobe Bryant. His brother Marc (right photo), was also instrumental in leading the Memphis Grizzlies over Utah which dropped the Jazz out of the postseason.

Grizzlies end Jazz hopes

eMPHiS, Tenn. (AP) -- Memphis’ Zach Randolph helped end the postseason hopes of the Utah Jazz. Randolph had 25 points and 19 rebounds and the Grizzlies defeated the Jazz 86-70 on Wednesday night, eliminating Utah and assuring the Los Angeles Lakers of a playoff spot

Aloha, Michelle

even before their late game against the Houston Rockets. Meanwhile, Memphis, the Western Conference’s fifth seed, still held hopes for home-court advantage. But the Los Angeles Clippers’ 112-108 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night means the series will open this weekend in Los Angeles.

The series will be a repeat of last year’s Western Conference opening-round series won by the Clippers in seven games, despite Memphis holding homecourt advantage. Randolph looked like the player who made the All-Star team this season and led the Grizzlies to the second round of the playoffs two years ago.

COMING HOME. Michelle Wie of the United States hopes to get back to the winning track when

she plays at home in Hawaii in the LPGA Lotte Open.

Wie hopes to break long dry spell in Hawaii

APOLei, Hawaii (AP) -- Michelle Wie is hoping a Hawaii stop on the LPGA Tour will inject a little aloha into her game. She’s 91st in the world ranking after breaking 70 only once in 18 rounds so far this season. She’s coming off a season-best tie for 41st two weeks ago in the Kraft Nabisco Championship - after starting the tournament with an apology from Annika Sorenstam for being quoted as saying the former child prodigy hasn’t shown the talent that initially made her a star. And ahead of a press conference to open the LPGA Lotte Champion-

ship, organizers planned to bring five players - including the world’s top three - to introduce the tournament to reporters. But not Wie. Still, the 23-year-old Stanford graduate says it’s nice to be home, where she’s more relaxed. ‘’There’s nothing like coming back home,’’ Wie told The Associated Press on Tuesday after finishing a pro-am round with four amateurs at 7 under in a scramble format. Wie grew up in Honolulu, just a few miles east of the Ko Olina Golf Club, where the LPGA Lotte Championship is in its second year.

EDGEDAVAO Sports

Ready to rumble VOL. 6 ISSUE 25 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 19-20, 2013

By Neil Bravo

OMeBODY’S going to fall on Saturday. This was the bold prediction of Filipino champion Rey “Boom-Boom” Bautista who will stake his WBO international featherweight belt on Saturday against dangerous Mexican challenger Jose “Negro” Ramirez in Pinoy Pride XiX “Mexican Invasion” at the USEP Gym. “One of us will go down, but i’ll make sure it’s going to be him,” Bautista, who came in dapper suit over a shirt and denim pants, said in Cebuano during yesterday’s pre-fight press conference at the Royal Mandaya Hotel. Ramirez is unfazed though of Bautista’s fearless forecast. The Mexican said he has trained for three months against three reigning champions in Mexico and got a piece of advice from former Bautista conqueror Daniel Ponce de Leon. “i came here to fight. i cannot promise a knockout but if the opportunity presents itself, i will go for it,” Ramirez, who has an impressive 25-0-2 windraw-loss ring record, said. He revealed that Ponce de Leon told him that Bautista is a dangerous fighter. “He told me to be careful.” Bautista, who is obviously

irked when the name of Ponce de Leon is mentioned, charged back—“bring on Ponce de Leon. i will fight them both.” Ponce de Leon is the same Mexican world champion who dealt Bautista his first pro loss in a first round devastation in 2007. veteran referee Bruce McTavish will be the third man on the ring. ALA Promotions chief executive officer Michael Aldeguer said he will line up Bautista for a big fight if he hurdles Ramirez. “Let’s wait for Saturday and see how he performs.” Aldeguer said he is overwhelmed with the tremendous response of Davao boxing fans in their first big-time promotion in Davao City. “We are very excited about this and we are overwhelmed with the support Dabawenyos are giving us.” He said Saturday’s card will also be the gauge for future plans of ALA Promotions in Davao City. As of yesterday, Aldeguer said tickets sales have been brisk and he expects a sellout crowd in this 19th edition of the most successful boxing series in the country. Bautista’s trainer edito villamor said his ward is only a pound over the 126-pound weight limit and should breeze

LET’S GET IT ON. ALA Promotions CEO Michael Aldeger (middle) presents Rey “Boom-Boom” Bautista (left) of the Philippines and through today’s weigh-in set at the SM City Davao. Ramirez’s trainer Miguel Fancisco Obeso said his fighter is already within the limit after tipping at 130 only two days ago. “We are ready,” Obeso said. in the interesting supporting bouts, Rocky “The Road Warrior” Fuentes of the Philip-

Jose “Negro” Ramirez (right) of Mexico in yesterday’s press conference for the Pinoy Pride XIX “The Mexican Invasion”. Lean Daval Jr.

pines will face Juan “Loquito” Kantun of Mexico, King Arthur villanueva of ALA will take on Marco Singwancha of Wakee Salud Stable for the OPBF super flyweight championship, and Mark vincent Bernaldez of the Philippines will battle Arief “The ice” Blader of indonesia. in the aperitif, Davao’s

engelbert Moralde will take on Abel Gayhon of Bukidnon, while his brother John vincent Moralde will fight Juvel Gayhon in a brother-to-brother tussle. Two other Davao boxers Kim Galon and Glendon Ramos take on Joselto Tabago and Jessie Suacasa of Koronadal, respectively.