Edge Davao 6 Issue 69 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

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VOL. 6 ISSUE 69 • THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2013

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

TESDA-COCA COLA STARS. Some of the 1,000 beneficiary of Coca-Cola Phils. and TESDA’s S3TAR (Sari-Sari Store and Access to Resources) flash thumbs up during their graduation rites at Sunny Point Function Plaza on Ma-a, Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

No negotiations for five soldiers By CHE PALICTE cdp@edgedavao.net

HE chief of the 10th Infantry Division, Maj. Gen. Ariel Bernardo, said there will be no negotiations with New Peoples Army (NPAs) for the release of the five unarmed soldiers they abducted last Monday in Paquibato,Davao City.

In a radio interview, Bernardo said that they would intensify pursuit operations against the Pulang Bagani Command 1-Southern Mindanao Region Command (PCB1-SMRC) led by Leoncio Pitao alias Kumander Parago to rescue the soldiers. “Napakalaking paglabag sa karapatang pantao ang ginawa ng mga rebeldeng grupo dahil nakasibilyan ang kanilang dinukot at wala itong dalang armas,” he added.

FNO NEGOTIATIONS, 10

San Felix, the cat? By EJ DOMINIC FERNANDEZ ejf@edgedavao.net

s Fredrick San Felix playing cat and mouse? The chief of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines-Davao who holds office at the Davao International Airport, is as elusive as a quick cat these days. In the eye of the storm in the wake of the Cebu Pacific aircraft mishap there last June 2, San Felix has been un-

der heavy criticism from Mayor Sara Duterte and the city’s business leaders for alleged mishandling of the incident. What does he think about all the issues brought against him? People may perhaps never know, since this airport manager has become

FSAN FELIX, THE CAT? 10

INSIDE:

2 NPAs kill pastor, 4 3 others in attack Miami survives 16 DOT 11 director to focus on connectivity, access

Game 6 thriller

2 THE BIG NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 69 • THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2013

IGaCoS acquires sea ambulance By GREG G. DELIGERO

T These men take a break extracting sand from the river bed of the Davao River to remove the water which entered their craft, in Ma-a, Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

greg@edgedavao.net

HE Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) has acquired its first sea ambulance to cater to emergency medical cases of residents, including tourists and expats residing on the island. Arceli Ayuste, Davao del Norte Provincial Tourism Council president, said the ambulance is stationed in Talikud Island to complement the sea ambulance provided by the provincial government which is based in Babak, facing Davao City. “It is strategically deployed on the other side of the island while the province-owned ambulance is already based in the city proper,” she said. The provincial gov-

ernment provided the first ambulance in 2010 for P1 million, according to Provincial Disaster Risk Management Council action officer Sunio Sanchez in a text message to Edge Davao. The IGaCoS -owned unit cost P1.6 million. Ayuste said the two ambulances are equipped with modern medical equipment and are manned by trained personnel. The 120-horse power speedboats are used to transport patients to better-equipped hospitals in Davao City. Provincial Tourism Officer Noel Daquioag said both the provincial and city local govern-

DOT 11 director to focus on connectivity, access AMPC sponsors By EJ DOMINIC FERNANDEZ ejf@edgedavao.net

f Department of Tourism (DOT) 11 head Art Boncato could paint a picture of tourism in the region from January this year to the present, the over-all theme on the canvas would be “connectivity and access.” Boncato told Rotarians at The Marco Polo Davao Tuesday that the major issue and one of the major programs of DOT 11 is the development of connectivity and access, not only to the domestic market,

but the global market. He opened his presentation with good news, telling thevRotarians that in 2012, the Philippines garnered the highest number ever of foreign arrivals at 4.2 million. He saud that while South Koreans dominated foreign arrivals at 1.2 million; most of them visited the Visayas and some parts of Luzon. This bit of information sparked interest among the Rotarians

Ilagan takes oath, praises Inday Sara

ABRIELA partylist representative, Luz Ilagan, took her oath in a ceremony at Quezon Park fronting the Davao City hall building Monday morning, even as she praised the threeyear reign of outgoing mayor, Sara Z. Duterte-Carpio for serving the best interest of the city’s women and children. Ilagan said, that women’s organization Gabriela is proud of the fact that Davao City has the first and only one-stop crisis center for abused women located in the Southern Philippines Medical Cen-

ter (SPMC) while local government units elsewhere are still discussing this project. Mayor Sara, who administered the oath, said it is not only because Ilagan is a woman that makes Dabawenyos proud of having her in Congress. “Gender is of no importance, we are all proud of her because she is a Dabawenyo who has done well on the national stage, bringing honor to our city,” the mayor said. According to Ilagan, it is only Davao City which has a gender and devel-

FILAGAN, 10

who wanted to know the reason why the South Koreans showed no interest in coming to the Davao region. Boncato answered that connectivity and access was the reason since there are no flights from South Korea that go directly to Davao. He said he had a meeting with executives of the Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, Jin Air (South Korea), and Zest Air last June 1 and 2 to discuss talk

about how to have direct flights from South Korea to Davao City. To promote the Davao region to South Koreans, Boncato said three different media groups from South Korea arrived gere last Monday and went to the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) to look for major tourist spots to promote. Sunjo Hwang, president of Sun Moon University of South Korea, together with 30

FDOT 11 DIRECTOR, 10

Lawyer Adel A. Tamano, vice president for Public Affairs and Communications of Coca-Cola Phils., says that S3TAR (Sari-Sari Store and Access to Resources) was created because Cola-Cola realized the importance of women

FIGACOS, 10

4-pair wedding By CHE PALICTE

cdp@edgedavao.net

n line with their 22nd founding anniversary, the Agdao Multi-Purpose Cooperative (AMPC) sponsored wedding to four couples who are members of the cooperative. Rene Lim, AMPC chairman of the board of directors, told Edge Davao that the couples

qualified for the sponsored wedding for being members of good standing of the cooperative. He added that this was the first AMPC-sponsored a wedding event and they chose couples who were living with their partners without

FAMPC, 10

empowerment during yesterday’s S3TAR Graduation Ceremony at Sunny Point Function Plaza on Ma-a, Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

3 NATION/WORLD

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 69 • THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2013

AGUSAN DEL SUR

NPAs kill pastor, 4 others in attack T

HE 4th Infantry Division on Wednesday vowed to bring to justice the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels who raided a “agro-forestry” corporation in Sitio Kamarangan, Barangay Milagros, Esperanza town, Agusan Del Sur, killing five people Tuesday morning. Lt. Col. Leo Bongosia, 4th Infantry Division spokesperson, said that one of the five victims is a pastor. “This heinous incident describes another leftist NPA rebel’s barbaric, anti-development and anti-people terroristic acts,” 4th Infantry Division officer-in-charge Brig. Gen. Ricardo Visaya said. “We will not allow incidents like this hinder peace and development in our area, collaboration between local government units, government agencies, non-government organizations and

QUEZON CITY

other stakeholders is the best resolution to these unproductive and inhumane atrocities by the New People’s Army rebels...communities should realize by now that they should end supporting this rebel groups,” he added. Shennalyne Corporation is a non-government organization and private venture that grows Acacial-Mangium tress, a project that greatly benefited at least two hundred Higaonons in the area. The firm was raided by two truckloads of rebels around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday. They put ablaze at least five heavy machinery, including two tractors. According to sources, the firm in its five years of existence has developed the area through construction of roads and predominantly giving employment to the people and communities around the firm. (PNA)

MISS EARTH BEAUTIES. Greeny mascot of the Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources dances with Miss Earth beauties during the 3rd Bulusan

QC prepares for flashfloods I

N preparation for the occurrence of heavy floods during rainy season, Quezon City Mayor Herbert M. Bautista issued directives to the city’s Department of Public Order and Safety (DPOS) headed by its Chief, Ret. Gen .Elmo DG. Sandiego, to assure that there are enough rescue teams and equipments ready to respond to any emergency in flood-prone areas. To achieve zero casualties during disasters, the disaster control division (DCD) of the city’s DPOS has undertaken

MANILA

capability trainings and skills enhancement programs for its personnel to effectively attend to distressed residents who may have to be brought to safety during flash floods. As part of the preparation to avoid the adverse scene of additional damage and to safely transport affected residents to designated evacuation sites, QC had acquired durable and crack-resistant rescue boats which are necessary in hamper-free operation in flood-affected areas. Aside from the city government- owned ma-

chineries and equipment that can be used in disasters especially during typhoons, the DPOS is equipped with 4 rubber boats and 8 fiberglass rescue boats, 188 life vest, helmets, 2 bag lifters, hydraulic combination tools, hydraulic battery operated combination tools, hydraulic ram, 4 sets of breathing apparatus, vibrascope - a victim location system, trauma vans, ambulances and other tools specially designed for rescue operations. The city government also installed 11 water-level early warning

device systems in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to determine the water level of QC waterways and rivers. There are also five automated rain gauges placed in some QC strategic locations to measure the intensity of rainfall during typhoons. According to Dr. Noel Lansang, PhD, DCD has 60 trained responders and 15 certified water search and rescue (WASAR) personnel to be deployed during disasters. (PNA)

Storm Emong gains strength, more rains in Luzon, Visayas

ROPICAL storm “Emong” has gained strength and continues to enhance the southwest monsoon that brings rains over Luzon and the Visayas, the state weather bureau said on Wednesday. Weather Forecaster Aldczar Aurelio said as of 4 a.m. Wednesday, tropical storm Emong was located at 420 km east of Basco, Batanes (20.3°N, 126.4°E) packed with maximum sustained winds of 75 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 90 kph. Aurelio said that Emong continues to move

north at 19 kph with this movement and speed. It is expected to be out of the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Thursday as it is headed towards Japan. He added that Emong has a little chance to make landfall in any part of the country. No public storm warning signal has been raised because Emong is still far to directly affect the country but the southwest monsoon (Habagat) enhanced by the tropical storm continues to bring moderate to heavy rains in Luzon including Metro

Manila and the Visayas, he said. Aurelio also said that fishing boats and other small seacrafts are advised not to venture out into the eastern seaboard Luzon and western and central seaboard of southern Luzon due to big waves brought by southwest monsoon. Aurelio said that so far, they have not monitored any weather disturbance near the PAR. In its advisory, PAGASA said that Luzon will experience cloudy skies with moderate to heavy rainshowers and thunder-

storms which may trigger flashfloods and landslides. It added that Visayas, Zamboanga Peninzula, Northern Mindanao and CARAGA will have cloudy skies with light to moderate rainshowers and thunderstorms. The rest of Mindanao will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms. PAGASA also said that moderate to strong winds blowing from the southwest will prevail throughout the archipelago and the coastal waters will be moderate to rough. (PNA)

Eco Trail Running Cup culminating activity at the Bulusan town plaza.(PNA Photo Courtesy of DENR)

B R I E F S Police seize P180-M shabu from 3 Chinese drug suspects MANILA--Operatives of the Philippine National Police Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Force (AIDSOTF) bagged three suspected drug traffickers during operations in Cavite and Manila Tuesday night. Also seized in the raid were 37 kilos of methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) worth some P180 million. PNP AIDSOTF legal officer Chief Insp. Roque Merdegia Jr. said they arrested two suspected Chinese pushers in a buy-bust operation at Muelle De Binondo at 9 p.m. Tuesday. He added they seized two kilos of shabu from the vehicle of the suspects. A third suspect managed to elude arrest. A follow-up operation yielded more kilos of shabu at the two Chinese nationals’ condominium unit in Manila. The third suspect was arrested during a follow-up operation at Trece Martires in Cavite. A search of the third suspect’s white vehicle yielded 20 kilos of shabu in two bags. (PNA)

BI Streamlines operations to boost tourism MANILA-- After the recent introduction of new arrival and departure stamps for international travelers to put an end to counterfeit stamps, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) will launch next week the six-month, long-stay tourist visa for foreigners intending to stay longer in the country. These twin moves aimed at boosting tourism are in keeping with the policy reforms reached by the BI after a series of meetings with the Departments of Tourism and Foreign Affairs. BI Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. said the Long Stay Visitor Visa Extension (LSVVE) was launched to spur tourist arrivals in the country by giving foreigners the privilege to prolong their stay here without the need to frequent the BI office. The current practice is to grant foreign tourists a maximum stay of two months every time they apply for visa extension.

4 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 69 • THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2013

NEW BATAAN, COMPOSTELA VALLEY

OIC Mission visits New Bataan T

HE Typhoon Pablo relief and rehabilitation initiatives in New Bataan was the focus of Day Two of the High-Level Partnership Mission to the Philippines from June 16-20 organized by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). According to OCHA Davao Head of Office Mel Schmidt the mission was initiated by the UN Emergency Relief Coordination “to reach out to non-traditional donors and engage OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) countries by showing them how the UN system operates and how the UN works closely with governments.” Held in Manila, Day One provided the delegates with a briefing on the Multi-lateral Humanitarian Response System including the humanitarian leadership, cluster approach, financing and advocacy. This was followed with a briefing on the national disaster risk reduction and management system, TS Pablo response and ongoing peace processes. Finally, a briefing on the Humanitarian Situation in the Philippines and the Humanitarian Action Plan ensued. DSWD OIC RD Priscilla N. Razon hopes that through this mission “we will be able to showcase different projects that have been vigorously undertak-

en by the various responders to TS Pablo.” Gov. Arturo T. Uy and Mayor Lorenzo Balbin Jr. of New Bataan welcomed the delegation at the Provincial Capitol Social Hall Monday morning where delegates were briefed on the impact of and response to Typhoon Pablo. Field visits were conducted at ‘Ground Zero’ in Barangay Andap; Andap National High School, primary and day care centers; site of bunkhouses and permanent shelters; and the Cash For Work and debris management site at Barangay Cabinuangan. At the onsite briefing in Barangay Andap, Lynne M. Dollolasa, Social Welfare Officer 3 and Tourism Officer shared the tragic experience of the town, the recovery and rehabilitation efforts as well as the numerous humanitarian assistance received. She also cited humanitarian needs and gaps like mitigation initiatives, namely; installation of early warning devices and construction of flood control dikes. Other crucial projects she mentioned include reconstruction of community facilities, day care centers and school buildings; restoration of water supply; and permanent shelter. On the one hand, necessary interventions for the day care service were

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY

A UNDP Officer Geronimo Giusto Robelo [back on camera] briefs Mission participants on the Cash For Work and Debris Management project undertaken in Cabinuangan, New Bataan. presented i.e. psycho-social support, supplementary feeding, tents, nutritional screening and school supplies. Moreover, day care children and their parents clamoured for the reconstruction of 14 day care centers, repair of 32 day care centers, learning tools, playground facilities and livelihood for parents. Led by OCHA Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Luisa Carvalho, the Mission delegates were coordinators, heads, assis-

tant secretaries, directors, ambassadors, and counsellors of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, OCHA Geneva, International Islamic Charity Organization, Embassy of United Arab Emirates, Indonesian Embassy, Kuwait Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Turkey Response Department, Malaysia National Security Council, OCHA New York, Alliance of Civilizations, Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, Swiss Agency for Development

BIMP-EAGA Meet reviews milestones of cooperation

HE Philippine delegation to the threeday 1st Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines–East Asian Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Agribusiness Cluster Meeting that opened here Monday wanted to look into the milestones of the sub-regional group since 1994. In an interview with Agriculture Undersecretary Joel Rudinas, he said the cluster meeting looked into the landmark achievements or disappointments of the BIMP-EAGA Agribusiness

and at the changes that may have something to do with its continued progress. Rudinas was also the representative of the chairperson of the Agribusiness Cluster for the Philippines. “We want to see where we are now; what are the milestones we have achieved? Because these are keys to the success of the cooperation,” Rudinas told the Philippines News Agency. He said if the cooperation among Brunei

GENERAL SANTOS CITY

Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines has built successful mutual aids, then there is a possibility that the cooperation can be expanded outside of its “usual scope.” For example, if countries are helping each other on the challenges of climate change and food insecurity globally, then the four countries can also build strongly on them based on expertise and resources. “We have expertise and resources, like we

have a private sector that is engage in seed production and seed technology, then our partner countries can avail of them because they’d also like to increase their food security,” he said. Being in the Pacific, Rudinas said the other countries in the East Asian Growth Area are also burdened because of the challenges of climate change and food insecurity, and making expertise and resources available can help stabilize situations. (PNA)

DENR 12 donates seized lumber to DepEd, DSWD

he Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Region 12 is working for the processing of around 140,000 board feet (bd.ft.) of illegally-cut lumber and logs that were seized last March in Sultan Kudarat province into arm chairs and other fixtures. Datu Tungko Saikol, DENR Region 12 director,

said in a statement that they decided to donate the illegally-cut forest products to the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in the region and process them for various uses. He said the two agencies have earlier sent requests to the DENR-12 for the use of the seized logs

and lumber as materials for classroom furniture and other purposes. Section 2.7 of Executive Order (EO) No. 23 issued by President Benigno S. Aquino III in February 2011 provides that “DepEd shall be given priority in the use of all confiscated logs.” EO 23 specifically declared a moratorium on the cutting and harvest-

ing of timber in the natural and residual forests and the creation of the anti-illegal logging task force. “DENR and DepEd have a standing memorandum of agreement, in which illegally-cut forest will be donated to them and utilized for public school fixtures,” Saikol earlier said in a press conference. [PNA]

Cooperation, Ministry of Indonesia, and UNICEF. Representing the Philippine government were DND Undersecretary and Executive Director of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Eduardo Del Rosario, DFA Assistant Secretary Jesus Domingo, and DSWD XI Director Priscilla N. Razon. The Mission proceeds to Cotabato City Tuesday for a briefing on the ARMM humanitarian situ-

DAVAO ORIENTAL

ation and to meet up with the Mindanao Humanitarian Team. According to OCHA the Mission above all aims to strengthen partnerships among the government, OIC and the international humanitarian community as well as enhance national and local capacities for emergency preparedness and response for both natural disaster and conflict situations in the Philippines. [DSWD/Carmela Cadigal-Duron]

NGCP brings ALS to Davao Oriental

NOTHER out-ofschool youth, this time from Davao, will be all-smiles when he receives an education grant from the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) through its Alternative Learning System (ALS) Accreditation and Equivalency Program. Last June 7, NGCP, together with Davao Oriental Electric Cooperative, Inc. (DORECO), Department of Education (DepEd) Mati Division, and local government of Barangay Pintatagan, Balay-Balay, Davao Oriental, signed an agreement to implement and sustain a 10-month ALS program to underprivileged but deserving student residents of Brgy. Pintatagan. Thirty-five residents will be given the opportunity to continue their elementary and high school education in a non-formal, modular setting. The ALS program has been a flagship program of NGCP, fo-

cusing on providing education for the disadvantaged residents of their host communities. Earlier this year, the program was also launched in Zamboanga and Bicol. Present during the ceremonial signing of Memorandum of Agreement were DORECO’s Board Member Franklin Larrobis, DepEd ALS Division Coordinator Paz Tacder, and Barangay Pinatatagan chairman Rene Miguel, Sr. NGCP was represented by Corporate Affairs Officer Albert Te Eng Fo. Part of the agreement is for NGCP to engage an instructional manager who will facilitate the program and to provide school supplies for the students. On the other hand, DORECO will reproduce the ALS modules and co-monitor the program together with NGCP. The local government and DepEd will work hand in hand on literacy mapping and monthly performance evaluation. (PNA)

5 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 69 • THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2013

ONB to open 40 extension offices, 5 branches in Mindanao in 2 years O

NE NETWORK BANK, Mindanao’s biggest rural rank, continues to be a game-changer in its league, by opening 55 extension offices in Mindanao and the

Panay Island in addition to 10 regular branches within the next two years. Forty of the extension offices and five of the branches will be in Mindanao, while the rest will be in

Panay island. Alex V. Buenaventura, who’s term as bank president was extended after he turned 60 this year, said an extension office will enable the bank to extend bank-

ing services like a regular rural bank with only three personnel and less operating expenses. An extension office which functions like a satellite of an existing regular ONB bank is ideal

UNHYGIENIC. Using their own bare hands, these two men cook “lumpia” wrappers at Agdao Public Market in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

in smaller but progressive areas. In terms of capital expenses, an extension office requires only an average of P3 million, while a regular branch costs the bank about P8 million including land acquisition. A regular branch has to have at least seven employees, Buenaventura explained. The extension office idea came about six months after the bank started its first five micro-branch offices which created “reputational risks” because of the limitations. A micro-branch office cannot serve deposits larger than P15,000, loans beyond P150,000 with depositors cannot open checking accounts and cannot have their checks cleared. Buenaventura however explained that when the bank evaluated the operations of these micro-branches, it concluded that it is tainting its reputation because these offices cannot serve all the clients. He said that the bank

“will attach” the extension office to a regular branch so that the latter will serve the needs of the office. An example is when a borrower files a loan with the extension office, the loans officer of the regular branch will be the one to process the loan. A regular branch usually has two loans officers considering that the bank serves even smaller loans. On the expansion in Panay island, Buenaventura said that with the 96-branch entering Iloilo last year when it merged with the Rural Bank of San Enrique, which the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas approved early this year, the bank will be able to apply the concept of saturating the island with branches and extension offices. The problem with this aggressiveness is that the bank is running out of officers to promote. Right now, Buenaventura said, the bank has been conducting six-month trainings for officers that it will deploy to supervise the new branches.

6 THE ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO Stat Watch IMEM to start in September when brownouts are expected to be back VOL. 6 ISSUE 69 • THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2013

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

7.1 1st Qtr 2013

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

7.8 1st Qtr 2013

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

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

8. Interest Rates 4/

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

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

P 41.14 Apr 2013

12. Stocks Composite Index 6/

6,847.5 Mar 2013

13. Consumer Price Index 2006=100

132.8 Apr 2013

14. Headline Inflation Rate 2006=100

2.6 Apr 2013

15. Core Inflation Rate 2006=100

3.1 Apr 2013

16. Visitor Arrivals

418,108 Feb 2013

17. Underemployment Rate 7/

20.9% Jan 2013

18. Unemployment Rate 7/

7.1% Jan 2013

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

2013

2012

2011

40.67 40.73

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

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

It figures

HE Interim Mindanao Electricity Market (IMEM) is on track to start its commercial operation in September when brownouts are expected to hit the island anew. Clares Jalocon, IMEM project manager, said the electricity market in Mindanao will start trial operations on August 26 with the commercial operation set on September 26, or a month-long trial period. “We are expecting 150 to 200 megawatts (MW) to be made available to the IMEM once it starts operation as per advice by the DOE (Department of Energy),” he told reporters. Power generating companies shall provide such supply for the interim electricity spot market in excess of their contracted volume with the distribution utilities, Jalocon added. He noted that the supply expected to be initially sold at the IMEM does not include potential voluntary load facilities, or commercial companies with their own generator sets, which have a combined volume of 183 MW. Jalocon said the DOE is also pushing the acquisition of diesel-fed modular generator sets by electric cooperatives as another immediate measure to address Mindanao’s power problem. It would take three to four

years to build a large power plant to solve the power problem of the island. Romeo Montenegro, Mindanao Development Authority director for investment promotion and public affairs, said that brownouts will be back in parts of Mindanao starting August due to the scheduled preventive maintenance shutdown of power plants in the island. “There will be supply shortage until December due to the scheduled preventive maintenance of the lone coal plant and oil-based and hydropower plants,” he said. He said that the 208-MW Steag State Power Inc. is slated to shut down one of its two plants one after the other that would take away 104 MW at a time from the Mindanao grid. Based on his presentation on Mindanao’s power situation, Montenegro said that the island currently gets most of its supplies from the Agus and Pulangi hydropower plants operated by the state-owned National Power Corp. at 710 MW and 445 MW at the most from diesel-fed sources when the Iligan Diesel Power Plant runs at full capacity in October. Montenegro noted that there are immediate solutions to address the deficit in the coming months, among them the rehabilitation and uprating of the Agus and Pulangi plants

by 50 to 100 MW, the Interruptible Load Program pushed by the DOE, the reopening of the 100-MW Iligan Diesel Power Plant, and the acquisition of modular generator sets by the distribution utilities. He urged distribution utilities and the local government units not to be complacent when the area does not suffer from interruptions, noting they

should take actions to ensure that the situation would be sustained in a long-term basis. The pending start of the IMEM will come even as some issues are still being threshed out regarding the participation of the Agus and Pulangi hydropower plants in the electricity market. “These are the issues on the billing and settlement. Al-

Surely the Philippines should have no trouble keeping its international commitment to achieving its MDGs. But not so. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has reported that the Philippines is not on its way to achieving the second MDG of universal access to primary education. The country has scored 4 out of a scale of 1 to 5 which means “no progress.” By the way, a score of 1 indicates “early achievement,” 2 means “on track,” 3 means “slow pace of

progress,” 4 means “no progress” and 5 means “regression.” This makes the Philippines among the least capable in meeting the goal of universal education together with Nepal and Pakistan which have also scored 4. The Philippines has also scored “poor” in the first millennium development goal MDG which is eradicating extreme poverty and hunger. The first MDG requires that poverty incidence should be halved by 2015 from the level in the 1990s and that extreme poverty should be eradicated. In the case of the Philippines, poverty incidence should fall to about 18 percent two years from now. However, latest official estimate shows that the poverty rate stood at 27.9 percent as of the first semester of 2012. Moreover, about 10 percent of Filipinos are estimated to be living in extreme poverty. In the Philippines, people living in extreme poverty are defined as those belonging to households

with less than P5,458 a month. Nonetheless, who cares about the poor, especially, those who earn enough to be comfortable and can afford to send their children to the best school? But even the well off who are gainfully employed and those earning comfortable income from business have to care for the poor. Business can’t grow as fast when a large segment of the population is poor. This means less employment opportunities even for the highly qualified and less income from business hobbled by a limited market. Moreover, we’re a country wracked by a long running insurgency, especially, in the rural areas where majority of the population and the poor reside. The insurgency derives its strength from the economic misery of people. Moreover, the more economically desperate in the urban areas may turn to criminality. So it’s everyone’s interest to eliminate poverty in this country.

BY THE NUMBERS PHL tax revenues reached

P111.9 billion last May, up

18.35 percent from the same month last year. SOURCE: BIR

Achieving the Millennium Development Goals

he Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are eight international development goals that were officially established following the Millennium Summit of the United Nations in 2000, following the adoption of the United Nations Millennium Declaration. All 189 United Nations member states and at least 23 international organizations have agreed to achieve these goals by the year 2015. The goals are: eradicating extreme poverty and hunger; achieving universal primary education; promoting gender equality and empowering women; reducing child mortality rates; improving maternal health; combating HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases; ensuring environmental sustainability; and developing a global partnership for development. The Philippines has posted a stunning 7.8% growth in the first quarter of 2013. This impressive growth rate is among the highest in the world.

20 percent Four of 10 companies in Asia Pacific, including the Philippines, are spending more than 20 percent of their payroll on employee benefits, according to the 2013 Asia Pacific Employee Benefit Trends survey.

2.5 billion dollar

21.7 million

Philippine Amusement Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) is maintaining the $2.5-billion revenue goal for the country’s gaming industry this year, with earnings to be driven mainly by the opening of the first casino resort in Entertainment City, Solaire Resort & Casino in March, according company chair and CEO Cristino Naguiat Jr.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has allocated P21.7 million to expand organic-farming activities in Region 12 as part of its efforts to expand organic farms in the country this year. The amount set aside is higher than the P16.52 million spent for the same initiative last year.

SCIENCE/ENVIRONMENT 7

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 69 • THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2013

Scientists find way to prevent alcohol damage to liver S

EOUL-- A team of South Korean scientists has discovered a way to prevent damage to the liver by alcohol, the science ministry said Wednesday, possibly allowing people to drink without having to worry about serious consequences, at least in a physical sense. It has been widely documented that alcohol produces reactive oxygen, which in turn damages the liver, causing hepatitis or even hepatocirrhosis, according to the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future

Planning. However, little had been known about exactly what triggers the production of reactive oxygen. According to the ministry, the team has confirmed that alcohol triggers the production of a nuclear hormone receptor, ERRγ, which in turn causes the production or activation of reactive oxygen species. In addition, the team has also confirmed a reduction in damage to the liver when the production of nuclear hormone receptors is suppressed,

suggesting a way to treat or even prevent alcohol damage to the liver. Such findings were published in a recent

edition of international journal Gut under the title of “Estrogen-related receptor γ controls hepatic CB1 receptor-mediated

CYP2E1 expression and oxidative liver injury by alcohol.” The team consisted of researchers from the

phants are banned from international trade. Elephants are also listed in Appendix 1 of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna - to which the Philippines is a signatory - for being highly endangered, the department continued. ”CITES said high demand for ivory found in elephant tusks drives killing of the animal especially in Africa,” the department reported. Lim said elephant tusks to be destroyed are among those authorities confiscated during the 1996-2009 period and turned over to PAWB for safekeeping. According to authorities, the tusks due for destruction are worth an estimated USD10 million. PAWB earlier scheduled the tusks’ destruction on June 21 (Friday) at Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center in Quezon City. Lim clarified not all

tusks turned over to PAWB will be destroyed. She said 106 pieces of tusks will be preserved as evidence in criminal cases filed against suspected illegal traders of these items. “We’ll also retain 30 pieces for education, research and enforcement training,” she noted. National Museum will get six pieces for its research and education campaign as well as for display, she continued. She further said PAWB will retain, on behalf of the education department and Commission on Higher Education, eight tusks for educational purposes. Earlier, the environment department said the tusks will be crushed by a road roller and burned so these can no longer be sold. “Burning is really the method for destroying tusks,” Lim said. She noted the tusks will no longer be burned as originally planned,

however. Environment chief Sec. Ramon Paje already ordered PAWB to refrain from burning the tusks due to environmental issues, she said. “Since the tusks won’t be totally destroyed if rolled over only, we plan either mixing the crushed leftovers with cement or throwing those in bodies of water so those materials can’t be traded anymore,” Lim said. Earlier, the environment department said the CITES Conference of Parties in 1997 included the Philippines as one of nine countries of priority concern due to its role as a transit point along the illegal ivory trade route. The other countries are major ivory sources Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa; the banned commodity’s destinations China and Thailand as well as Hong Kong, Malaysia and Vietnam which are transit countries, the department added. (PNA)

Korea Research Institute of Bioscience & Biotechnology and Chonnam National University.(PNA/ Yonhap)

PHL assures cooperation on NASA selects 8 curbing illegal ivory trade new astronauts T

HE Philippines Government will do its part in helping address illegal trade of ivory sourced from elephant tusks which authorities estimate to fetch USD2,000 per kg in the black market. Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau Dir. Theresa Mundita Lim gave such assurance, noting the agency will destroy this week some five tons of elephant tusks previously smuggled into the country from Africa en route to various foreign destinations but which authorities confiscated. “We’ll destroy those tusks to prove we’re not condoning illegal trade of ivory,” she said Tuesday afternoon in Metro Manila during a briefing on the matter. She further highlighted need for action, noting a study identified the Philippines as among transhipment points along the illegal ivory trade route. The environment department noted ele-

LEGAZPI CITY

WASHINGTON

.S. space agency NASA said Monday it has selected eight new astronauts for future missions to low-Earth orbit, an asteroid and even Mars. The eight candidates, all in their 30s, were chosen from more than 6,000 applications NASA received last year. Half of them are women, making this the highest percentage of female astronaut candidates ever selected for a class. NASA said the candidates could also be the first to launch from U.S. soil on commercial American spacecraft since the retirement of the space shuttle in 2011. “They’re excited about the science we’re doing on the International Space Station and our plan to launch from U.S. soil to there on spacecraft built by American companies,” NASA administrator Charles Bolden said in a statement. “And they’re ready to help lead the

first human mission to an asteroid and then on to Mars.” The new astronaut candidates will begin training at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston in August. All four men have U.S. military backgrounds, including former naval aviator Josh Cassada, 39; navy lieutenant commander and F/A 18 pilot Victor Glover, 37; air force lieutenant colonel Tyler Hague, 37; and Andrew Morgan, 37, who is an army major and physician of emergency medicine. The four women are Christina Hammock, 34, who is National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration Station Chief in American Samoa; Nicole Aunapu Mann, 35, a Marine Corps major and F/ A 18 pilot; Anne McClain, 34, an army major and OH-58 helicopter pilot; and Jessica Meir, 35, an assistant professor of anesthesia at Harvard Medical School.(PNA/Xinhua)

MGB warns 5 cities, 55 towns in Bicol of landslides, floods

HE advent of rainy days is placing at least five cities and 55 towns in Bicol under threat of floods and landslides, the regional office of the Bureau of Mines and Geosciences (MGB) over the week said, as it called for vigilance

among local officials and residents. Apart from this Albay’s prime city, engineer Theodore Rommel Pestaño, the MGB regional director, on Wednesday said the province’s two other cities of Ligao and Tabaco as well as

its municipalities of Bacacay, Camalig, Daraga, Guinobatan, Libon, Malilipot, Malinao, Manito, Oas, Rapu-Rapu, Sto. Domingo, Pioduran, Polangui and Tiwi are among those highly vulnerable to floods and landslides. All three Albay cities

and towns at risk, except for Manito and the island of Rapu-Rapu, are receiving ends of flash floods emanating from the slopes of Mt. Mayon. Manito, on the other hand, lies at the foot of Mt. Inang Maharang, site of the operations of

the giant Bac-Man (Bacon-Manito) geothermal energy field being run by the Lopez-owned Energy Development Corporation, while Rapu-Rapu plays host to the massive mining operations of the Korean-owned RapuRapu Polymetallic Proj-

ect (RRPP). In Camarines Norte province, Pestaño also warned the towns of Basud, Capalonga, Labo, Mercedez, Paracale, San Lorenzo Ruiz, San Vicente and Sta. Elena for possible rain-triggered disasters. PNA

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 69 • THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2013

EDITORIAL

When power problem gets in the way

HERE’S a reason to be concerned about the current Mindanao power crisis. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has reported thet the power shortage in Mindanao is one of the biggest stumbling blocks to the region’s development, and that includes Davao City. The lack of adequate supply of electricity in Mindanao and the issue of infrastructure deficiency, poverty and extreme weather conditions were among the top challenges cited in the BSP 2012 report. The central bank’s annual report on regional economic development provides a realistic outlook on countryside development and is one of the bases for economic planners to prepare for interventions and opportunities. Despite the all-time high economic growth posted by the country at 7.8 percent, there are 12 out of 17 regions with inadequate infrastructure largely attributed to deficiency in transportation systems. For Mindanao areas, the culprit is the widespread power shortage. Problems with power distribution because of high power rates, lack of other power sources, delays in the construction of power plants and insufficient and unstable power supply are factors that dampen economic growth in Mindanao. The outlook does not look bright either. The power crisis is expected to last until December this year. In anticipation of the worsening power problem, the Department of Energy will be operating the Interim Mindanao Electric Market (IMEM) beginning in September. A story on IMEM appears in this issue as it starts operations in time for the expect-

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ed brownout season. It will have 150 to 200 megawatt capacity sourced from the excess generation capacity of electricity providers, like cooperatives and private power companies. It will also source power from diesel-powered power generators of private companies. The Mindanao Development Authority foresees the season of brownouts to start by August due to the scheduled preventive maintenance of power plants pn the island, and is expected to last until December. Among the interventions the MinDA has identified are the rehabilitation and uprating of the Agus and Pulangi plants by 50 to 100 MW, the Interruptible Load Program pushed by the DOE, the reopening of the 100-MW Iligan Diesel Power Plant, and the acquisition of modular generator sets by the distribution utilities. There is more to the problem, and that’s the need for power distributors and local government units not to be complacent if they are not affected at all and with the operation of IMEM and the stop-gap solution prepared by the MinDA. Overall, the entry of new capacities by 2015 and the transition from the IMEM to the eventual operation of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market is what the government sees as the solution to all these power woes in Mindanao. Seriously, there is a legitimate reason to be concerned with our power problems and our only hope is that long-term solutions must be the priority and for us not be content with mere band-aid and experimental solutions. Mindanao’s economy depends on the island region’s capability to supply power.

ARLENE D. PASAJE Cartoons

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AQUILES Z. ZONIO Correspondent

Columnists: MA. TERESA TERESA L.L.UNGSON UNGSON• EDCER • EDCER C. C. ESCUDERO ESCUDERO • AURELIO • AURELIO A. PEÑA A. PEÑA • ZHAUN • ZHAUN ORTEGA ORTEGA • MARY • BERNADETTE ANN “ADI” C.“ADDIE” QUISIDOB.• BORBON LEANDRO• B. MARY DAVAL ANN SR., “ADI” • NIKKI C. QUISIDO GOTIANSE-TAN • LEANDRO • NICASIO B. DAVAL ANGELO SR., •AGUSTIN NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN • VIDA MIA VALVERDE • NICASIO• ANGELO EconomicAGUSTIN Analysts: ENRICO • EMILY ZEN “GICO” CHUA G. DAYANGIRANG • CARLOS MUNDA • JONALLIER EconomicM. Analyst: PEREZENRICO “GICO” G. DAYANGIRANG • JONALLIER M. PEREZ

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EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 69 •THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2013

Antipathy for DIA?

O SUBSTITUTE IN THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE FOR DIA’s ROLE IN BUSINESS – There are reasons to believe that the Davao International Airport (DIA), also known as Francisco Bangoy International Airport will most likely lost its status as an airport of global standards – slowly but steadily. In the early years of its operations, annual revenues were well above the average, or to be precise the DIA is earning more than P400 million a year. But today the DIA is adrift. Its condition is in “very bad shape.” No less than local business leader Vicente Lao, chairman of the Mindanao Business Council (MinBC) and vice chair of the Regional Development Council (RDC XI) noted the airport’s current state. The once-impressive airport considered a showcase in this southern part of the country probably cannot match other airports in terms of international requirements. The city government and top business leaders could not hide their frustrations and fuming at how the condition of the once famed DIA has been allowed to deteriorate – facilities, porter services, maintenance, security procedures and emergency measures, and worse, management. The national government and high-profile airport officials seem never to have disguised their alleged antipathy for the DIA. And many believe the central government ignores the local leadership and business sectors’ appeal to look intently into the depraved condition of Mindanao’s premier airport At this crucial juncture, city officials and business leaders are strongly clamoring for a law creating Davao International Airport Authority or DIAA similar to Cebu-Mactan International Airport Authority (CMIAA). The local government and city populace will never allow the DIA to be downgraded into an ordinary landing

VANTAGE POINTS

strip – a result of lackluster and poor managerial procedures. That’s why they want to emphasize that they’re establishing new ways of thinking and develop new methods that will preserve DIA’s status as an international airport. There is no substitute in the foreseeable future for DIA’s role in the business progress of Davao City, its neighboring provinces and the whole of Mindanao. By establishing an airport authority, it is very important that local officials and the people don’t have to be always under the mercy of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) in Manila in running the affairs of the DIA. To ensure that efficient operations – functional equipment, restful facilities, fine maintenance, security and emergency systems will continue, there is a need now for the refilling of the bill creating the DIAA sponsored by 2nd congressional district Rep. Mylene Garcia-Albano since the current one failed to get the nod of the previous Congress. The creation of DIAA is likewise being pushed by the RDC II headed by City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio. Other top local business leaders notably Daniel Lim, president of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCCI) indicated that the current annual income of more than P400 million is not invested back to fund the needs of the airport – repair and maintenance of facilities and improvement of services because without an airport authority

the earnings will go to the government’s general fund. Moreover, with an established airport authority, it will enable management to address posthaste its diverse challenges especially the utter lack of standard equipment and features of a real international airport. The most important factor in the minds of city officials and business leaders in terms of economic advantage is to maintain acceptability, contentedness, stability and development at the airport. Dabawenyos therefore should unanimously support Rep. Garcia in sponsoring the bill seeking to establish the DIAA. We should now ask the central government and CAAP officials this simple question: “If the DIA is really in bad shape, if commerce and trade are directly affected, why not improve the infuriating condition of DIA?” An airport of international standards will increase its importance – economically, but if it is such in bad shape it will affect the business activities not only Davao City but also the adjacent provinces and even the rest of Mindanao. The DIA therefore must go through excessive transformations particularly apathetic management. Although many expected hitches lie ahead, a proposed DIAA cannot be waited any longer. What we had in Davao City now is government of big business, by big business and for big business. The city government and the business sector don’t want that to change. But the pressure from both the local leadership and the business community will be for more involvement in the transformation process. This is a valid concern and will be the interesting matter in Davao Region and the whole of Mindanao in the days ahead. Perhaps inevitably at this stage there’s more emphasis on “makeover,” less on talking poppycock.

In defense of publishing leaks

F a government has too much power to enforce secrecy it becomes unaccountable to its people. This lack of accountability increases the risk that the government will break the law behind closed doors and it also stunts the public’s ability to decide what the law should be. In the post-9/11 era, our leaders have assembled a huge and largely opaque national security bureaucracy that is supposedly tasked with keeping us safe from terrorism. The American people are largely left in the dark about how well these programs work, how much they cost, and what tradeoffs are being made between liberty and security. When secrecy is taken to extremes, it becomes paternalistic and anti-democratic. We couldn’t have a national conversation about whether the NSA should be tracking the metadata of our phone calls until journalists revealed that the program existed.

COMMENTARY BY LINDSAY BEYERSTEIN

(Conclusion) Some Snowden critics have attempted to deny him the mantle of “whistleblower” because he leaked information about a program that was being overseen by the FISA courts. They maintain that a true whistleblower would only sound the alarm against an illegal program. However, just because a program is being overseen by a secret court doesn’t guarantee that it is constitutional. Only the Supreme Court can decide that. But as long as a program remains secret, there’s a Catch-22 in effect: The Supreme Court can’t review the constitutionality of the program until someone sues to challenge it, but if nobody knows they’ve been targeted by a secret program,

nobody has standing to bring a lawsuit. Snowden’s revelations broke that impasse. On Tuesday, the American Civil Liberties Union announced that it had filed a court challenge to the program. Snowden’s leak revealed that Verizon Business Network Services had been ordered to give up the metadata for all the calls made by its customers. As a customer of VBNS, the ACLU has standing to sue. The impact of Snowden’s leak provides a compelling example of what University of Chicago law professor Geoffrey Stone was talking about when he told the House Judiciary Committee that the solution to reconciling government secrecy and press freedom was to guarantee “both a strong authority of the government to prohibit leaks and an expansive right of others to disseminate them.” Someone should read those words to Peter King.

Peace talks deadlock is good! STATEMENT BY ATTY. JESUS G. DUREZA

HE on-going media blast coming from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) saying some of its ground commanders and armed followers are now “frustrated and angry” at what is taking place in the peace negotiations, should not be a surprise to all. TO ME, THIS IS TOTALLY EXPECTED. AND SERVING A GOOD PURPOSE. I have some POSITIVE readings on this latest media BROUHAHA. ONE: the public will again be reminded that peace negotiations are not easy and a walk in the park. Let’s not forget: a generational issue, like the Bangsamoro right to self-determination, is being tackled and there are no magic wands to solve them that quick and easy. The “annexes” are still being worked out. Remember what I said before: THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAIL”. TWO: a good reminder too that peace making and peace-building are a CONTINUING PROCESS. The fact that peace talks spanned several presidents is proof of this. Getting it done before 2016 is the best-case scenario. But if not done, the next administration can build on the building blocks already in place. RE-INVENTING it every time a new administration comes is NOT the way to go. THREE: it’s a reality check that government cannot just easily impose its existing legal and constitutional framework on the rebel group that took up arms precisely because they cannot get concessions within the existing regime of rules. I repeat my earlier incantation: we have to open up the Philippine constitution for this. FOUR, the MILF to also accept the reality that government, although keen on giving concessions, must also strike a happy balance with the other sectors of the country. Other non-rebel stakeholders also expect equitable attention. FIVE, the MILF may just be doing a “pressure tactic” short of resorting to violence, which is well and good. Also, this may serve as an opportunity for the MILF to re-solidify and re-group its splintered ranks that the recent elections caused. FINALLY, the “deadlock” IS THE BEST TIME TO DO ADVOCACY CAMPAIGN. It gives occasion for public discussions and debate and brings up to speed the stakeholders of both sides to an early exposure and understanding of what may be contained in the final peace agreement. This is the best advocacy opportunity so the public will not be taken for a surprise when the terms of the peace package is made public. Consequently, acceptance later of the comprehensive peace package may come as a matter of course. Remember, Congress will still have to approve this and this is not easy given that the proposed law will expectedly erode or undermine the traditional political power base of those in power. Then, a “yes” vote in a plebiscite is still needed to finally entrench it. Media is helping. But it must avoid the usual temptation to sensationalize. Peace issues must be handled with great sensitivity. We also know that negotiating publicly in the media is not the way to go. Somehow the formal talks and negotiations will have to return back to deliberative quietude behind closed doors. So, let’s all relax, pipe down, and patiently wait for some new breakthroughs. IF BOTH SIDES ARE SINCERE IN FORGING PEACE, THERE IS ALWAYS A WAY. This is what peace negotiation is all about! [Lawyer Jesus G. Dureza, former Chairman of the government panel in talks with the MILF and former Presidential Peace Adviser. He is the new President-Chairman of the Philippine Press Institute, an umbrella group for provincial and national newspapers in the country.]

10 NEWS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 69 • THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2013

DOT 11.. FFROM 2

San Felix, the cat?.. FFROM 1 very elusive these days. That has prompted the mayor to say, “Unreachable man gani ug naa’y emergency, how much more kung wala? (He is even unreachable when there is emergency, how much more when there is none?).” For several days now, Edge Davao has been trying to reach the airport manager for his reaction to the mayor’s remark that he should be fired, and what he has to say about about the desire of local business leaders for the creation of a Davao City International Airport Authority. The only information this paper got from him was a text message last June 13 saying, “bidding for security services at the CAAP area X is in process, sorry.” San Felix has not been replying to mobile phone calls from this

paper, and only his secretary answered over on the manager’s office landline number Tuesday, saying that her boss had appointments elsewhere, after which he would be seeing his doctor. This reporter tried to call on him at his DIA office yesterday after his secretary said appointments could not be set and that it would be best to go directly to his office. Still, he was not in his office while his staff had no idea about his whereabouts or what time would he return. Government offices are mandated to keep records of personnel whereabouts, but this did not seem existent in San Felix’s office. Mayor Sara Duterte on Monday asked Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya to fire San Felix

but so far there has been no word from that end on the matter. Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII) chairman, Sebastian Angliongto and Mindanao Business Council chair, Vicente Lao, who is also the vice chairman of the Regional Development Council (RDC), have lobbied for a law that would create a Davao International Airport Authority so that earnings of DIA would be plowed back to it for needed improvements instead of being siphoned off to national CAAP and shared with the country’s various international airports. Meanwhile, San Felix remains inaccessible to media and city officials, probably believing in the quaint saying: ‘No talk, no mistake!’, or catch the cat, if you can.

Last Monday, the unarmed soldiers were in civilian attire while on board two motorcycles on their way to market to procure food supplies for a scheduled feeding program in the community. They were held at gunpoint by the NPA in Lubas sub-village of Paquibato proper at about 4:30 in the afternoon. Abducted were Cpl. Emmanuel Quezon, Pfc. Ronald Gura, Pfc. Bernie Padilla, Pfc. Donato Estandia and Pvt. Marteniano Pasiagas. Bernardo asked the rebel group to release any of the five if

wounded to acquire medical intervention. “Hindi pa nakakaalis sa may bahagi ng Barangay Mapula at Lumiad Paquibato district ang mga rebeldeng grupo na may hawak sa limang sundalo,” Bernardo assured. He thanked Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio who also asked the rebel group to free the soldiers. Meanwhile, as of presstime Lt. Col. Lyndon Paniza military spokesman confirmed to Edge Davao that there has been no update on the status of the five abducted sol-

diers. On the other hand, Kumander Parago confirmed that they are holding the five soldiers and he also declared them as prisoners of war. Parago bared that the military’s claim saying the captured soldiers were unarmed was not true because his men who conducted the checkpoint last Monday have confiscated three .45 caliber pistols and a hand grenade during the abduction of the five soldiers. He also said that 1Lt. Neven Canitan for cowardly abandoning his men.

ments had inked a formal agreement with Central 911 of Davao City for close coordination in the event of medical emergencies. He said under the agreement, Central 911 will automatically deploy a mobile ambulance at the Sasa wharf in Kilometer 11 to fetch patients from the Babak-based sea ambulance and deploy mobile units at the Sta. Ana wharf when patients are transported there by the Talikud Island-based sea ambulance. “There is now an increased sense of security in terms of our ability to respond to medical emergencies,” Ayuste said.

Both Ayuste and Daquioag were guests in the regular Club 888 media forum at The Marco Polo Davao yesterday. They said that the availability of sea ambulances in IGaCoS further blunted arguments from those who keep pushing for the construction of a bridge between the island and Davao City. “Even without the bridge, we can transport our patients,” said Ayuste, who expressed opposition to the proposed bridge. “The island has its own characteristics. Let’s preserve it. What we need is not a bridge but additional ferry services,” she said.

Daquioag said the provincial government is also “ambivalent” on the proposal, considering the impact on the environment, economic activities and even on cultural sensitivities of the residents. The bridge was first proposed in 2007 when the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area listed projects that the four countries wanted to implement. After the feasibility study financed by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) was finished over a decade ago, the national government has yet to take concrete steps to implement the project.

No negotiations.. FFROM 1

IGaCoS.. FFROM 2

EDGEDAVAO

students, will to IGaCoS next week to donate school supplies to students of the Kinawitnon Elementary School, Boncato said, adding 10 South Korean bloggers came to Davao City two months ago to promote the Davao region in their blogs. Boncato said, Hana Tour, a major international travel company which already has offices in Manila anf

Cebu is opening an office in Davao City soon. Davao has been invited to bid to host the 23rd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in 2015, after APEC leaders praised the way DOT 11 presented the region to them last month. However, because of the Cebu Pacific mishap at the Davao City International Airport (DIA),

APEC leaders see the need to double-check the capability of Davao region to host such an international event. Despite the issue concerning the capability of the DIA, Boncato received praise from the Rotarians. “We salute you (Boncato) for your effort,” said Rotary East past president, Ronald Go, in a response he delivered in behalf of the Rotarians.

opment office along with leadership trainings for women intending to run in the barangay elections. Ilagan, who will be serving her third term, said in a speech after her oath taking that the party list’s victory is a mandate from the people for Gabriela to continue fighting for women’s rights and be the voice of marginalized women, children, overseas Filipino workers (OFW), and even the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. She bared the milestone pieces of legislations that she has authored, including the enacted law which declares November 25 as a day to commemorate International Consciousness of the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Other laws that she authored and co-authored are the Reproductive Health Law, Magna Carta for Women and the Poor, the use of the

mother language in the primary level, the law granting compensation to victims of martial law and the culture-sensitive civil registration system for indigenous peoples. She said that Congress almost, but missed, to pass because they missed the deadline, the law that declares March 8 as Iternational Women’s Day which is a special non-working holiday. The congresswoman had also re-filed the repealed Expanded Value Tax on basic commodities, the increase in maternity leave from 60 days to 120 days, the people’s mining act, and the act for Japan to apologize to the country’s comfort women of World War II, the comprehensive women’s health bill, and a bill on divorce. According to Ilagan, the party list will continue to “aggressively” oppose anti-people bills, such as the corporatiza-

tion or privatization of government hospitals, which is one of their major campaigns. “Health is a basic right of the people, and it is the government’s responsibility to provide proper healthcare to its people,” she said. The party will also continue its fight against high prices of water and electricity, against foreign mining which “destroys indigent people and our natural resources,” and against the presence of foreign military troops in the country. Gabriela party-list won two seats in the Lower House of Congress. “Gabriela is not a party list of the rich and powerful, but is a party list that represents the under-represented as mandated by our government.” To end her speech, she reminded the people of Gabriela’s battle cry, “Babae, Bata, Bayan… Tuloy ang laban!” EJF

benefit of formal marriage. “This is the product of management, the board and our consultant to come up with the idea of having this activity as our marketing strategy to attract members and to have new products and services,” he explained, adding that their tagline “we care for you” caters help to members and beneficiaries from “womb to tomb.” Lim said that they want to give back to their members a feeling of security and belongingness. “This will create a big impact because we are the only cooperative which has conceptualized and successfully done this kind of activity,” he said.

He added that AMPC will be launching new products for this year and they will continue expanding their services among its members. “We already have more than 50,000 members , and we have expanded in Samal where we already have more than a hundred members,” he added. Newlyweds Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Gullon said they are happy for what AMPC has done for them. “We’ve been living together for 13 years and we already have three kids. Had AMPC not sponsored this, we would not have experienced a wedding such as this,” Gullon told Edge Davao. Meanwhile, Teresita

Molina, chief marketing officer of AMPC, said that the AMPC paid for all the expenses for the wedding of the four couples. “Now that we have successfully done this activity, we might be doing this annually and we may increase the number of couples to ten,” she said, adding that they are now eyeing to sponsor a “Binyagan sa AMPC” for cooperative members next year. AMPC was founded by a group of 21 market vendors in Agdao with an initial capital of P 63,000.00 and their vision was to see a radical change in the community by granting financial assistance and guidance to entrepreneurs.

Ilagan.. FFROM 2

AMPC.. FFROM 2

11 COMPETITIVE EDGE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 69 • THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2013

Airbus on track to delivery of Cebu Pacific’s second A330

IRBUS S.A.S is close to completing Cebu Pacific’s second of four leased long-range aircraft after the budget carrier received the first

one last week, an official of the European plane maker said yesterday. “I think it (aircraft) will be finished by the end of August,” Sean

Lee, Airbus’ director of communications for Asia, said in an interview at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport when asked for updates on the local carrier’s second

A330-300 aircraft. “It will be delivered in September.” An assembled but unpainted Airbus A330-300, with Cebu Pacific logo on its tail, was seen parked

Hewlett-Packard up to stay on the cutting edge of technology H

E W L E T T- PA C KARD Co. (HP)— long celebrated as among the world’s most innovative corporations— has in the past quarter-century dramatically reduced the share of revenue it devotes to research and development (R&D), an investment widely considered essential for companies to stay on the cutting edge of technology. The figure has steadily declined from 11 percent in 1987 to less than 3 percent in the past four years. By comparison, most of Silicon Valley’s 20 biggest

tech companies last year spent at least 10 percent on R&D and several spent more than 20 percent, according to an analysis by the San Jose Mercury News. Corporate R&D focuses on creating new products and services, or improving existing products and services, with the goal of increasing sales and profits. Whether this trend has anything to do with HP’s recent decline in sales and profitability isn’t clear, and HP insists it hasn’t lost its inventive touch. But some industry analysts fear the

amount it allocates for research is endangering its legendary status as a technology trailblazer. “Strategically, it’s suicidal,” said tech analyst Rob Enderle. “What it means is, as other companies like Cisco and IBM continue to advance, they keep falling behind.” Experts acknowledge there is not necessarily a direct connection between lavish R&D spending and innovation. And it is hard to make comparisons between tech companies in different parts of the industry. Intel Corp.

spends nearly 20 percent of its revenue on R&D, while eBay Inc. spends a little over 11 percent. And Apple Inc. spends slightly more than 2 percent. But HP CEO Meg Whitman has expressed concern about the issue, vowing to boost the company’s R&D spending, saying, “R&D is the lifeblood of this business.” Since it was founded in 1939 after creating an audio oscillator for the sound system of the movie Fantasia, HP has earned global renown for cutting-edge products.

Diversity in a Globalised Society: Discourses and Realities in Africa and Asia, With a Comparative View from Europe, 55 Years after the Bandung Asian-African Conference 1955.” The objective of the conference is to present how religious diversity is dealt with in the global society by state and non-state actors and whether this diversity is treated as a condition, goal, a driving force, or an obstacle to sustainable development. The book, co-published by the ADDU – Al Qalam Institute, will be launched right after the conference. Al Qalam Institute has invited the following

speakers and presenters for the conference to present the following topics: Islam and Religious Diversity in Indonesia: The Case of Muhamadiyah, Dr. Darwis Khudori, Associate Professor at the University of Le Havre France; Confessional Diversity in the Arab World: Tension in the Christian-Muslim Relations by Mr. Boutros Labaki, Professor at Saint Joseph Univeristy Beirut Lebanon; Diversity and Homogeneity in African Religious Discourses by Julius Gathogo from Kenya; Violence in the Name of Buddhism: Rohingya Genocide by

Dr. Mang Zarni from Burma; and Hijab: Ethno---Markers and Political Negotiation by Duanghathai Buranajaroenkij from Thailand. Datu Mossulini Sinsuat Lidasan, Executive Director of Al Qalam Institute, said, “this conference is a great opportunity to understand the diversities of religious and how we, the people of Mindanao, need to cope with the challenges in line with the on-going peace talks between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in drafting the Bangsamoro Basic Law.”

Book on religious diversity launching at AdDU today

he Al Qalam Institute for Islamic Identities and Dialogue in Southeast Asia of the Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) in partnership with the Indonesian Consulate Office, Alternate Forum for Research in Mindanao (AFRIM), Philippine Information Agency 11 (PIA), Bandung Spirit, and the Office of Honorable Councilor Mabel Acosta will conduct a conference and book launch today, June 20, 2013. This conference is a presentation of the collective work that has come out in the form of a book titled “Religious

outside the Airbus A330 assembly line in Toulouse during a media tour there for visiting Manila-based reporters. Airplanes parked outside the assembly line are usually up for test flights, before painting of the jet’s body and installation of seats and other interior elements, Alizee Genilloud, Airbus’ media relations manager for South East Asia and Japan, said during the tour. Cebu Pacific received its first A330-300 during a turnover ceremony in Toulouse. That was the first of the four A330-300s leased from US-based CIT Group, Inc. Under the deal with CIT signed last year, Cebu Pacific will lease four A330-300s for 12 years. Officials declined to disclose the value of the con-

tract. Alex B. Reyes, Cebu Pacific’s general manager for long-haul operations, said the first aircraft “will be used initially” for Singapore and Incheon. The second, which will arrive in September, will be used for the airline’s maiden longhaul operations to Dubai starting Oct. 7. The third and fourth ones will arrive in the first semester of next year and will be used for other longhaul destinations, the official said. Mr. Reyes said Cebu Pacific has applied for airport slots and necessary foreign permits to operate in Saudi Arabia and Australia. The company is also eyeing flights to US and Europe once the government bags safety ratings upgrade there.

Globe GCASH, Xoom team up for special offer for Pinoys

LOBE GCASH together with Xoom Corporation, a digital money transfer provider, has announced a partnership that offers Php 1,000 remittance bonus to money transfer recipients in the Philippines when their family or friends in the United States send their first money transfer via xoom. com/gcash. Until July 31, 2013, first time Xoom senders can visit www. xoom.com/gcash to make their first money transfer. Senders will be asked to provide the name and cell phone number of their recipient in the Philippines. Within 10 business days, recipients can expect an SMS notification with a corresponding reference number from Globe GCASH REMIT, informing them that the P1,000 bonus may now be claimed at any of GCASH’s 7,000 locations. They will then present the reference number and a valid I.D. at their preferred GCASH outlet to conveniently claim their P1,000 bonus. “GCASH is a wellknown and trusted brand in the Filipino community. We are excited to partner with GCASH and to offer recipients in the Philippines this great bo-

nus,” said Julian King, Xoom’s Senior Vice President, Marketing and Corporate Development. “With this incentive, Filipinos and their loved ones can discover how convenient, safe and fast it is to send money home with Xoom.” “We are committed to provide customers an unbelievable experience when getting their remittances. The P1,000 bonus is just one example and more great offers to come,” said Paolo Baltao, president of G-Xchange, Inc, a wholly owned subsidiary of Globe and operator of GCASH REMIT and GCASH. “This promo is our way of saying ‘thank you’ to our modern day heroes who work hard to improve the lives of their families whom they choose to leave behind.” Their families in the Philippines can get their P1,000 bonus from any of the 7,000 GCASH outlets in the Philippines. Thus, even those living in far-flung areas can already get their money from accredited GCASH REMIT outlets which include rural banks, pawnshops, and Globe load distributors, among others. To know more about GCASH REMIT, visit www.globe.com. ph/gcash.

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14 SPORTS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 69 • THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2013

Four Pan Am Games golds for Dabawenya

EDGEDAVAO LEE KIEFER. Fourth Pan Am gold medal.

By NELWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO njb@edgedavao.net

EDITOR’S NOTE: We are reprinting this story which was originally published yesterday, June 18 2003, due to the error in placing the story’s continuation on the jump page. We deem the unpublished part worthy of this space. Our apologies. S fencing sensation Lee Bacani Oropilla Kiefer, a half-Pinay whose mother is from Davao, won her fourth gold medal in the Pan Ameri-

can Zonal Championship on Sunday (Monday PHL Time) in Cartagena, Colombia. US Fencing Association reported in its website that a day after her 19th birthday, the London Olympian Kiefer (Lexington, Ky.) became only the second American to win four straight individual Pan American titles. Kiefer advanced to the quarterfinals in the 2012 London Olympics but was eliminated by

Italian Arianna Errigo. Kiefer’s US-based aunt Martz Angeles Coleman and Davao-based Dr. Janice Bacani Carandang congratulated their niece for her feat. “We’re so proud of Lee,” Carandang posted on facebook. The 5-foot-four daughter of a Filipina doctor from Davao also led the U.S. Women’s Foil Team to a 1-2-3 podium finish as her teammates, London Olympian Nzingha Prescod

(Brooklyn, N.Y.) and four-time Junior World medalist Margaret Lu (Greenwich, Conn.), won silver and bronze, respectively. T h e USFA report said t h a t K i e f e r, Prescod, Lu and Lon- d o n Olympian Nicole Ross (New York City, N.Y.) ad-

vanced to the quarter-finals for a chance at making Team USA the first nation to sweep all four medals in Pan Am history. The rest of the USFA report: Lu, Ross and Prescod earned the top three seeds in the tournament after undefeated results in the pools. Although Kiefer dropped a pool bout, her fifth seed still meant that all four fencers were in separate quadrants of the direct elimination table. Fencing at her first Pan Ams, Lu advanced to the semifinals after a 1412 win over Flavia Johana Mormandi (ARG). Prescod, a 2009 Pan Am Champion, secured her fourth Pan Am Zonal medal with a 15-10 victory over Saskia Loretta Van Erven Garcia – the Colombian who upset Prescod in the semifinals of the 2012 Pan Ams in Cancun. Kiefer set up an all-American semifinal against Lu after she defeated Nataly Michel (MEX), 15-7, in the quarters, but Ross lost her bout to 2012 Pan Am medalist Alanna Goldie (CAN), 15-7, and finished fifth overall. In the semifinals, Lu, Kiefer’s teammate at the last three Junior World Championships, took a 2-0 lead early in the first period, but Kiefer scored seven straight in the final two minutes to build a 10-4 lead at the break. Kiefer outscored Lu, 5-3, in the second period to win the bout, 15-7. In the second semi, Prescod outscored Goldie, 9-4, in the first period and rattle off four unanswered

touches in the next period to win the bout, 15-6. Although Kiefer and Prescod are both ranked in the top eight in the world senior rankings, the two haven’t fenced each other in competition since the October North American Cup in St. Louis where Kiefer took the win in their quarter-final bout. Since then, however, 20-yearold Prescod has had one of her best senior seasons ever, winning both the Division I Nationals in April and becoming the first U.S. women’s foil fencer to claim a Grand Prix title in Marseille last month. Fencing in heat that climbed over 90 degrees and with no coaches, as is the custom when teammates fence each other internationally, Kiefer came out with a quick, 3-0 lead that grew to 7-3 late in the first period. After a request for a weapon change, however, Prescod scored three of the next four touches by the break. In the second period, Prescod took the first four touches to take a 10-8 lead. Kiefer battled back to tie the bout at 12 and her fourth unanswered touch gave Kiefer a 14-12 lead. Not ready to give up, Prescod tied the score at 14, but Kiefer took the victory, 15-14. Kiefer’s win makes her the second fencer ever to take four straight titles at the Pan Am Zonal Championships. Two-time Olympic Champion Mariel Zagunis (Beaverton, Ore.) won four straight between 2009 and 2012 and will vie for a fifth when the women’s individual saber competition is held on Monday.

INdulge!

VOL. 6 ISSUE 69 • THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

FOOD

Weekdays just got more affordable at Italianni’s

DABAWENYOS love food, at times when you check your friend’s Instagram account, you see food. Fact of the matter is, good food makes a day more ever more enjoyable especially when the food is friendly to the pocket.

Lunchmates Erwin Añonuevo, his wife Annie and Nelia Partoza.

The Roasted Baby Back Ribs was flavorful and full of fall-off-thebone goodness.

Soon to be parents, Nicolas and Ninna Partoza and Lorraine Domingo.

Just add P49 and you get a Prosciutto flatbread. delicious Panna Cotta.

This was why the people of Italianni’s Abreeza decided to introduce a more affordable alternative for people who dine out for lunch or dinner on weekdays for that power meeting, lunching with friends or just a treat away from the regular fast food joint. Dubbed the Weekday Great Value Meal, P295 gets you a full meal along with one glass of iced tea. You can choose from either Roasted Baby Back Ribs, Roast Beef, Chicken Piccatta, Grilled Pork Chop, Seafood and Vegetables, and Fish Fillet. Each meal is complete with Italianni’s bread basket appetiser, rice (or pasta in the case of the Chicken Piccatta) and, with an additional P49, a solo order of Italianni’s delicious Panna Cotta. Although the meals are more affordable, it does not mean that Italianni’s scrimped on the portions nor the flavours. In fact, the smoky, sweet and tender Baby Back Ribs are big enough for two average diners with average appetites to share but for people like me who have bigger appetites, the entire plate will be more than enough to satisfy one’s hungry soul. Aside from the Baby Back Rib platter, I would also recommend the Roast Beef set. The beef served was soft and tender and the matching mushroom gravy added flavour that made the beef literally melt in my mouth.

For those whose not into beef or pork, there is the Chicken Piccatta plate served with pasta. I loved the flavour of the two huge pieces of chicken that were crusted with herbs and cheese. The matching pasta that is filled with capers, and olives added more flavour to make the dish outstanding. To end the meal, I had to have the Italianni’s Panna Cotta. Although it is an add-on, the soft and creamy Panna Cotta was just simply divine. I had the honey and walnut drizzled one which was flowery thanks to the delicious flower honey. The bit of crunch and earthiness of the walnuts completed the dish. Italianni’s Weekday Great Value Meal is available from Monday to Thursday for lunch and dinner only at Italianni’s Abreeza and Italianni’s Centrio. Follow me on Instagram and Twitter for more foodie finds, in, around and beyond Durianburg.

Vanessa serving the delicious Grilled Porkchop.

What is a meal at Italianni’s without bread?

Tender and juicy RoastBeef.

The huge Chicken Piccatta with pasta.

Meet the team. Kristina Espina, Italianni’s Abreeza Sales Officer; Ronald K. Mejus, Bistro Group Davao Marketing Officer; Anne Lorraine Domingo, Italianni’s General Manager-OIC; Richard Balatero, Restaurant Chef; and Anthony Jedd Generao, Restaurant Manager.

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge! UP AND ABOUT

Banana Grill Filipino Cuisine now open at Krua Thai YOU can now savor the flavors your favorite home-style Pinoy dishes in a Thai restaurant setting. Banana Grill offers a selection of sumptuous entrées as well as a variety of grilled chicken, pork, squid, fish and beef fares, all sealed in banana leaves before serving fresh and hot to diners. Banana Grill is open from 10 am to 2 pm and 5 pm to 10 pm from Mondays to Sundays.The restaurant is also open catering for events and other functions. Now you can enjoy affordable Filipino and Thai dishes under one roof.

Cebu Pacific takes delivery of its first A330-300

Cebu Pacific has taken delivery of its first A330-300 during a special ceremony in Toulouse today. The aircraft is the first of four A330s being leased by Cebu Pacific from US lessor CIT and will be used to launch the carrier’s new long haul low fare operation. Cebu Pacific has specified a single class layout for its A330 fleet seating 436 passengers. The airline will initially operate the first aircraft on medium haul regional routes, before launching its first long haul services to Dubai in October. “The delivery of our first widebody aircraft marks a milestone for Cebu Pacific,” said Lance Gokongwei, Cebu Pacific President and Chief Executive Officer. “The addition of the highly efficient A330 to our fleet ultimately translates to unbeatable operating costs, enabling us to offer the lowest possible fares to our guests. In addition, we will be the only Filipino carrier flying non-stop between Manila and Dubai, eliminating multiple stops or connecting flights.” “We are delighted to welcome Cebu Pacific as a new A330 operator,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “In the airline’s layout the A330 will offer the lowest possible operating costs per seat. This will enable Cebu Pacific to offer a highly competitive product, bringing its great value-based service to long haul routes.” The A330 will join an existing fleet of single aisle A320 Family aircraft flying with Cebu Pacific on its extensive domestic and regional nework, currently covering 34 domestic and 22 international destinations across Asia. In addition to its leased A330s, the carrier has 47 A320 Family on firm order with Airbus for future delivery, including 30 latest generation A321neo.

Sun helps strengthen cultural and historical heritage nationwide WITH the country’s huge roster of Philippine festivals and cultural events, mobile network provider Sun Cellular steps up to the forefront of pushing and showcasing national identity to more Filipinos nationwide. From local fiestas and colorful celebrations to the nationally-celebrated Independence Day, Sun Cellular’s presence and participation help make these happenings much more fun and vibrant. Through reliable and affordable services, Sun Cellular powers Filipinos with the ability to connect and share the on-going events with their family and friends. Moreover, Sun Cellular supports organizations like the Center for Art, New Ventures and Sustainable Development (CANVAS) for its “Looking for Juan: Revolution” campaign this year that showcases Filipino identity through artworks of various artists. “The country has a rich kaleidoscopic culture that we should all be proud of,” says Sun Cellular official spokesperson Reuben Pangan. “That’s why we feel that we, at Sun Cellular, can help in pushing the diversity, richness and pride on our cultural events and heritage.” Needless to say, the way Filipinos should continuously highlight these cultural activities should never wane. And with Sun Cellular, Filipinos may be armed with the Good Choice to do just that.

VOL. 6 ISSUE 69 • THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2013

ENTERTAINMENT

Local indie movie wins Best Film at 36th Gawad Urian NORA Aunor may have gone home with the Best Actress trophy from the recently concluded 36th Gawad Urian for her performance in Brillante Mendoza’s Thy Womb, it was local Davao director, Arnel Mardoquio’s Ang Paglalakbay ng mga Bituin sa Gabing Madilim that ran away with the award’s coveted Best Film trophy. Produced by Cinema One Originals, Skyweaver Productions, Red Motion Media, HYDEntertainment, Alchemy of Vision and Lights and the Conrad Cejoco Film Project; Ang Paglalakbay ng mga Bituin sa Gabing Madilim is set in Mindanao, and tells of a boy’s journey to safety and discoveries after his parents are killed in a gun battle. The 36th Gawad Urian awards took place at the NBC Tent in Bonifacio Global City while the awards ceremony was hosted by Iza Calzado, Cherie Gil, Richard Gomez, Xian Lim, and Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino judge Butch Francisco. Below is the complete list of winners from The 36th Ga-

Arnel Mardoquio (right) recieves the award for Best Film for the movie Ang Paglalakbay ng mga Bituin sa Gabing Madilim. wad Urian: Best Documentary: Benito Bautista’s “Harana” Best Short Film: Remton Siega Zuasola’ s “Ritmo” Best Sound: Willy Fernandez, Bong Sungcang, Ferdinand Marcos Sabarongis for “Florentina Hubaldo” Best Music: Diwa de Leon for “Baybayin” Best Editing: Aleks Cas-

taneda for “Kalayaan” Best Production Design: Brillante Mendoza for “Thy Womb” Natatanging Gawad Urian: Mila del Sol Best Cinematography: Whammy Alcazaren for “Colossal” Best Screenplay: Mes de Guzman for “Diablo” Best Director: Adolfo Alix Jr. for “Mater Dolorosa”

Best Supporting Actress: Alessandra de Rossi for “Sta Niña” Best Supporting Actor: Art Acuña for “Posas” Best Actor: Jericho Rosales for “Alagwa” Best Actress: Nora Aunor for “Thy Womb” Best Film: Arnel Mardoquio’s “Ang Paglalakbay ng mga Bituin sa Gabing Madilim”

GMA Network wins big in 2013 US int’l film and video fest

THE US International Film and Video Festival (USIFVF) recently conferred top awards on television giant GMA Network, citing a total of 11 programs from GMA7 and GMA News TV Channel 11. Led by GMA News TV’s State of the Nation with Jessica Soho (SONA), GMA Network’s entries are the only festival winners from the Philippines this year. GMA News TV’s flagship primetime newscast State of the Nation with Jessica Soho, bannered by GMA Network’s Vice President for News Programs Jessica Soho, received a Silver Screen Award for its special coverage of last year’s disastrous monsoon rains entitled “The Wrath of the Monsoon”. In 2012, SONA also received a documentary accolade from the USIFVF for its episode on the aftermath of Typhoon Sendong. “Malaking karangalan ito hindi lang para sa amin, kundi sa buong GMA News and Public Affairs, tayong lahat. At siyempre, gusto rin nating ibahagi ito sa ating mga manonood na talaga namang para sa kanila itong newscast na ito,” said Soho, who was recently named by Reader’s Digest Asia as the Most Trusted News Presenter for the

third consecutive year and is widely regarded as the country’s most awarded broadcast journalist. Soho’s multi-awarded and top-rating public affairs program Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho, in turn, was also one of the programs cited from GMA Network. Receiving a Certificate for Creative Excellence were Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (“Photographs of Typhoon Pablo”) for the News Magazine Format; primetime newscast 24 Oras bannered by Mike Enriquez and Mel Tiangco (“Sendong Tragedy”) for Newscasts; late-night newscast Saksi anchored by Arnold Clavio and Vicky Morales (“Wrath of the Monsoon”) also for Newscasts; and

a documentary by Howie Severino for the program I-Witness (“Santo at Sikreto”) for Documentary: Religion. Also receiving Certificates for Creative Excellence were GMA-7 entertainment programs––infotainment show iBilib bannered by basketball icon Chris Tiu with Moymoy Palaboy and Isabelle Daza for Children’s Entertainment; cooking show Kusina Master hosted by celebrity chef Boy Logro for Cooking; and drama series Pahiram ng Sandali topbilled by Dingdong Dantes, Christopher de Leon, Max Collins, and Lorna Tolentino for Telenovelas. The festival similarly awarded certificates to GMA News TV programs–– news commentary and analysis show Bawal Ang Pasaway Kay Mareng Winnie headlined by Prof. Solita Monsod (“One on One with Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile”) for Interview/Talk, Filipino cultural show I Juander hosted by GMA reporters Cesar Apolinario and Susan Enriquez (“Why is the Lechon the Centerpiece of Every Filipino Celebration”) for Education: Professional Development & Continuing Education; and GMA News TV special San Pedro Calungsod for Documentary: Religion. Founded in 1967, USIFVF recognizes outstanding corporate, education, entertainment, documentary and student productions.

VOL. 6 ISSUE 69 • THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

Miley Cyrus:

JUNE 19, 2013

“I think alcohol is way more dangerous than marijuana” MILEY Cyrus would rather go green than drink a couple of cocktails. During an online Q&A with Rolling Stone magazine, the singer discussed her views on drugs and alcohol, including whether or not she smokes, which she slyly said, “I did a song with Snoop Dogg called ‘Ashtrays and Heartbreaks,’ so people can put it together for themselves.” But regardless of whether or not Cyrus decides to light up here and there, the celeb was very open about her views on marijuana. “I think alcohol is way more dangerous than marijuana—people can be mad at me for saying that, but I don’t care. I’ve seen a lot of people spiral down with alcohol, but I’ve never seen that happen with weed.” Miley notes that those who smoke weed tend to

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whoever you want to be.” Including a weed aficionado. The full Q&A with Cyrus will be available in the July 4 summer double issue of Rolling Stone.

David Beckham plays soccer with children during visit to China DAVID Beckham is getting his game on in China. Earlier today, the 38-yearold sports stud played a game of soccer with a group of children while visiting the children at the Nanjing Olympic Sports Center in Nanjing, China. Victoria Beckham’s other half hit the field in black shirt and shorts looking like his regular hot self. Beckham arrived in Beijing earlier this week for a visit to the Asian country. Back in March, Beckham was named China’s first-ever ambassador for soccer.

Yesterday, Becks attended an event for the Soong Ching Ling Foundation where he gave a speech to fans. “Children have a very special place in my heart,” he

reportedly said. “Obviously a big part in my life, I have four children myself and have also been involved in different children’s charities around the world.”

Mariah Carey’s album title maybe leaked, thanks to Walmart

MAN OF STEEL 2D Henry Cavill, Amy Adams PG 13

THANKS for the heads fans a hint through her Insup, Walmart! tagram post yesterday. The giant retail organization accidentally jumped the gun when it posted an ad to buy Mariah Carey’s upcoming album (which drops July 23) along with it’s title, which had not been announced yet. Oops! The online ad, which has since been taken down, listed Carey’s album title as The Art of Letting Go. And although Mariah hasn’t announced the name herself, she may have given

Along with a gorgeous photo of Mimi in the pool, she wrote, “A much needed splash after hours pon de mic singing for my #beautiful #lambily! Melancholic moment letting go of something this personal to me yet I couldn’t be more excited to give three years of my soul to the fans.”

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EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge! FOOD

VOL. 6 ISSUE 69 • THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2013

Comforting food for a rainy day TAKING my queue from the heavy downpours we had this past few weeks, I was all up to making something that could help me be comfortable sans the cold weather that embraces me. Do not get me wrong, I love a cold rainy day. It gives me an excuse to raid the kitchen and whip up something hot to suite my gastronomical craving.

Last week’s recipes were all about sweet rainy day foods. This week, I am all up for a savory hot bowl of hotness from the kitchen. Imagine the play of flavors as you sip a spoonful and selfishly indulging your appetite. Perfect, right? Let us make it more than perfect. Here are my recipes for a day of bliss sans the downpour. Ready your kitchen and let us begin! Ginataan A typical Filipino dessert cooked in coconut milk, the ginataan is but our all time favorite comfort food. Be it raining or not, we always opt for a hot bowl of fruit packed ginataan to alleviate and sweep any coldness in our body. PS Add whatever fruit and flavor you like. Ingredients 1 12 oz pack of rice flour 6 cups of water 4 cups of coconut milk 3 pieces banana, sliced half an inch thick 4 small sweet potatoes, cubed 2 cups of cooked sago balls 1 cup of raw sugar

Add ¾ cup of sugar (adjust to your preference) and salt. Mix well. Once simmering, add sweet potato, banana, sago and balls. Others even add ube, flavorings and slices of jack fruit. Adjust level of sweetness. Serve! A dash of Salt – to temper the sweetness Procedure In a bowl, moisten rice flour with tepid water and stir well. Roll the dough and cut into ¼ inch balls. I used a small “baller”. In a pot, boil 6 cups of water. Once boiling, gently drop the balls. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking at the bottom. Cook balls until tender or have surfaced. Strain and drain. Set aside. By this time, the water must be thickened. Add coconut milk and bring to a simmer. Do not boil.

Lomi Who can say NO to a hot bowl of lomi on a cold rainy day? I cannot! Opting to help myself of its homey taste, I decided to whip myself a hot bowl and have it while snuggled in my bed. Here is my recipe. Ingredients 1/4 kilo lomi noodles (flat) 1/2 cup chicken liver, precooked and sliced ½ cup pre-cooked chicken strips ¼ cup squid balls, sliced thinly 1 large onion, chopped

3-4 cloves garlic, crushed 6-7 cups chicken or meat broth 2 tbsp. cooking oil 1 tbsp. cornstarch dissolved in water 2 raw eggs Salt and pepper to taste Procedure In a pan, sauté garlic until transparent. Add garlic and cook until brown. Do not burn. Add chicken strips, liver and balls. I added a bit of patis for that sumptuous flavor. Add 1/2 cup water. Cover and let simmer until almost dry. Do not boil. At this point, you can add your seasoning. Pour broth. I used chicken and let boil. Drop your noodles. Let boil for 3 minutes and thicken with dissolved cornstarch. Add cubed carrots, minced cabbage. Put off the heat. Beat eggs and stir in. Put off heat and Serve at once. Add your desired toppings and enjoy your home cooked lomi! Do you want to be a part of Davao’s Thursday habit? Send me your recipes, questions, suggestions and comments and be featured. If you are interested, then email me at leebai@chefroyale.com or visit www. chefroyale.com for more recipes. Happy Cooking!

SPORTS 15

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 69 •THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2013

TO THE NEXT ROUND. Fifth-seeded Caroline Wozniacki (top photo) advanced after leading 6-2, 2-2 when defending champion Tamira Paszek retired with a left-thigh injury. (Below) Ana Ivanovic of Serbia was earlier ousted in the pre-Wimbledon tournament.

Radwanska also gets axe E

ASTBOURNE, England (AP) -- American qualifier Jamie Hampton upset top-seeded Agnieszka Radwanska 7-6 (2), 6-2 Tuesday in the first round at Eastbourne on Tuesday. Radwanska, who won the title in 2008, struggled throughout the match at the Wimbledon warm-up tournament. Although Radwanska tied it 5-5 when Hampton served for the first set and held a set point at 6-5, she was overwhelmed in the tiebreaker and failed to rally in the second set. The 41st-ranked Hampton maintained her composure when No. 4 Radwanska rallied late in

the first set. ‘’I was a little rattled, yeah,’’ Hampton said. ‘’Last time we played something similar happened, so I was like, ‘I’m not going to crack. I’m going to hold on and get to a tiebreak.’’’ Radwanska said she’s still adjusting to the grass after the clay-court season. ‘’Playing her in the first match on the grass, I think it was tough,’’ Radwanska said. ‘’The fact that she played three matches before helped her a little bit. ‘’I was a little bit scared to move. It wasn’t slippery. Maybe a little bit in the back, but, yeah, scared. You have to be careful.’’ Second-seeded Li Na advanced to the second

round, beating Alize Cornet 6-2, 6-4. She’ll play 2011 champion Marion Bartoli. Also advancing were 2012 runner-up Angelique Kerber, who defeated Sorana Cirstea 6-4, 6-4, and fourth-seeded Petra Kvitova, who stopped Monica Niculescu 6-4, 6-1. Fifth-seeded Caroline Wozniacki advanced after leading 6-2, 2-2 when defending champion Tamira Paszek retired with a leftthigh injury. Wozniacki faced a potentially difficult match against an opponent who not only won the Eastbourne title last year but then beat her in the first round at Wimbledon.

Wozniacki recently went 1-5 in clay-court matches, so she’s looking forward to playing on grass. ‘’I’m feeling great,’’ Wozniacki said. ‘’I love the grass. It’s so much fun to play on. The clay season is over, which I’m happy about. I think I played a really good first set. I felt really good and comfortable out there.’’ Wozniacki’s boyfriend, golfer Rory McIlroy, attended the match. He finished 14 over at the U.S. Open on Sunday. In the men’s event, Kevin Anderson was upset 7-6 (4) 6-2 by Julien Benneteau, and Bernard Tomic defeated James Ward 6-3, 6-4.

of the Philippines (ABAP), Gabuco started things off with a unanimous win over Russian Zoia Isaeva, using lightning quick moves and combinations to earn the nod of the three judges in the 48 kilogram flyweight division. Gabucu will face China’s Olympic silver medalist Ren Cancan on Wednesday and promised to give her best against the threetime world champion. Petecio also scored unanimous victory against a body-punching Suvd Erdene Quyngerel of Mongolia and set up second

round encounter with another Chinese fighter Liu Chang. In the men’s category, the Philippines absorbed two defeats with Roldan Boncales Jr. vowing to Asian Games silver medalist Chang Yong of China in the 52 kg class. Dennis Galvan, gold medalist of the 2011 Southeast Asian Games, also succumbed to another Chinese bet, Fu Kaisheng who latter employed a stick and run tactic that frustrated the Negros Occidental boy enroute to unanimous defeat.

On Wednesday, five more Filipinos will see action including Gabuco and Petecio. Aside from Barriga, Nico Magliquian also has an Indian opponent, Ajay Kumar in their 56 kg. bantamweight tiff. Junel Cantancio meets Mauritian Colin John in the lightweight division (60 kg.).. Eight countries are entered, including 2 teams from host China. The others are Russia, India, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Mauritius and New Zealand. (PNA)

Barriga fights in China, 2 Pinoy boxers advance

AVAO pride Mark Anthony Barriga of Panabo City watched as his two teammates reigning world champion Josie Gabuco and Nesthy Petecio won their respective opening bouts while their two counterparts in men’s category faltered at the start of the China Open boxing championship in Guizhou gymnasium in Guiyang, China Tuesday. The London Olympian Barriga debuts against Naveen Kumar of India on Wednesday. According to the Amateur Boxing Association

B R I E F S Calle 5 hosts DSA Forum today CALLE Cinco Restobar, located along J.P. Laurel Avenue, hosts this week’s edition of the Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) Forum set at 10:30 a.m. today. National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) regional director James Infiesto and Holy Cross of Davao College (HCDC) player Mary Israel Palero are guests along with NCCC Mall Davao entertainment marketing staff Invictus Lorenzo and John Ochia. Infiesto and Palero will discuss the latter’s stint in the upcoming Universiade Chess in Russia. Invictus and Ochia, for their part, will brief DSA members on the Suppliers tenpin tournament rolling off this weekend at the NCCC B3 lanes.

Infiesto to officiate in 4th Asian Indoor Games National Chess Federation of the Philippines regional director James Infiesto will be working as technical official in the coming 4th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games slated June 27 to July 7 in Inchon, South Korea. Infiesto, a licensed FIDE arbiter and national instructor, also worked as technical official in the 14th ASEAN Age-Group Chess Championships held last June 5-14 in Chiang Mai, Thailand assigned as the chief technical official in the Under 20 and Senior divisions.

VOL. 6 ISSUE 69 • THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2013

EDGEDAVAO Sports

TUG OF WAR. (Top) San Antonio’s David Green and Tim Duncan wrestle the ball with Miami’s Lebron James. (Below) Ray Allen pumps the air after sinking the triple that tied the game in regulation.

LIVE ANOTHER DAY Miami survives Game 6 thriller M

IAMI – LeBron James had drifted through much of Tuesday night. Confused, a little self-doubt perhaps starting to creep into him, he looked more like the shell-shocked, ineffective star who lost a season-ending Game 6 to the Dallas Mavericks here two years ago than the bold, cocksure leader who has dominated the NBA ever since. After losing Game 5 of these NBA Finals in San Antonio, James said he embraced the challenge of having to win consecutive games at home to claim his second straight championship. Only, the pressure, once again, appeared ready to swallow him whole, the enormity of the moment too big for him to grasp. The San Antonio Spurs had worn on James, and as they hiked their lead deeper and deeper into the second half, the Miami Heat’s championship reign moved that much closer to expiring. In the end, maybe that was all James needed to jolt him. His season, his legacy, at a crossroads, the NBA’s best player finally took charge, rallying these Heat – with the help of a desperate Ray Allen 3-pointer – to a thrilling 103-100 overtime victory at America Airlines Arena, delivering the league a decisive Game 7 on Thursday night. It was one of the greatest Finals finishes ever, and James ended his

night with a powerful triple-double of 32 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds. Eighteen of those points came after the third quarter. “It was by far the best game I’ve ever been a

part o f , ” James said. “The ups and downs, the roller coaster, the emotions, good and bad throughout the whole game. To be a part of something

like this is something you w o u l d never be able to recreate once you’re done playing the game.” The Heat were on the brink of losing Game 6 more than once. They rallied from 13 points down late in the second half only to lose the lead in the final minute of regulation to Tony Parker’s heroics. The Heat turned to James and Allen to save them. Down five, James drilled a 3-pointer with 20.1 seconds left to bring Miami within two. Kawhi Leonard was intentional-

ly fouled, but missed the first free throw, giving the Heat the only opportunity they needed. NBA staffers began preparing for the Spurs’ championship coronation, lining a rope in front of the courtside seats to keep fans from going onto the floor. Champagne, undoubtedly, was chilling somewhere near the Spurs’ locker room. Allen ensured the bubbly would stay on ice. After James missed a 3-pointer, Bosh corralled the rebound – with Tim Duncan watching from the bench – and pitched it to the most prolific 3-point shooter in NBA history. Allen raised up in the corner and coolly drilled the tying shot with 5.2 seconds left. The basket saved Miami’s season and will go down as one of the greatest in Finals history if the Heat win Game 7. “Ray can be 0 for 99 in the game, and if he gets an open look, it’s going down,” James said. “…We’ve seen it before.” Said Allen: “It’s going to be a shot I remember for a long time.” The Spurs, too, won’t soon forget it. Spurs coach Gregg Popovich made a key tactical decision that ended up helping the Heat, twice pulling his best rebounder, Duncan, to insert a smaller defender to better match up with Miami’s shooters. Both possessions ended with the Spurs burned by offensive rebounds that led to James’ and Allen’s 3-pointers.