P 15.00 • 20 PAGES
EDGEDAVAO www.edgedavao.net
VOL. 6 ISSUE 92 • TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013
Serving a seamless society
1st to come from Mindanao
Rep. Ungab elected chairman of House appropriations body
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EP. ISIDRO T. UNGAB of Davao City’s 3rd legislative district has been chosen to be the chairman of the House Committee of Appropriations in the current (16th) Congress, his office announced yesterday.
CHILD PROTESTER? A son of one of the militants stands with a wooden rifle beside a placard during yesterday’s protest against President Aquino’s Sona at the Rizal Park, Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.
Ungab, who is on his third and final term as member of the lower House, is the first lawmaker from Mindanao to be elected chairman of the Appropriation Committee in the history of Congress. The appropriations FREP. UNGAB ,10 REP. UNGAB
‘SUGAR-COATED SONA’
Long PNoy report applauded 80 times By EJ DOMINIC FERNANDEZ
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ejf@edgedavao.net
UNDREDS of protesters, not the 2,000 projected by organizers, marched through the main streets of Davao CIty yesterday to articulate their own State of the Nation Address or “SONA ng Bayan.”
Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) Southern Mindanao spokesperson Sheena
EFFIGY-BURNING. Leaders of the different progressive groups light up an effigy of President Aquino to show their disappointment against his leadership and policies just before
Duazo said, “President Benigno Aquino III is just covering the real condition of the Filipino’s with his ‘sugar-coated’ economic indicators.” She said that the President’s economic indicators, which are an unfamiliar language to most Filipinos, should be transformed into food security, jobs,
FSUGAR-COATED ,10
the president delivered his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA), at Rizal Park in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.
INSIDE: Traffic decongestion is Davao City’s priority Akbayan calls for deeper reforms Tiger walks off with another fruitless Open
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2 THE BIG NEWS EDGEDAVAO
VOL. 6 ISSUE 92 • TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013
SONA? What SONA?! By EJ DOMINIC FERNANDEZ ejf@edgedavao.net
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ACTOR IN SALE. Actor and model Fabio Ide didn’t fail to excite adoring fans during his appearance as part of the SM Lanang Premier’s Great 3-Day Sale Sunday night. Lean Daval Jr.
Traffic decongestion is Davao City’s priority By CHERRY MAE PALICTE cdp@edgedavao.net
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OUNCILOR Leonardo Avila III, chair of the city council’s committee on transportation and communication, says decongestion of Davao City’s heavy traffic is a priority of the city government. Speaking at the Kapehan sa Dabaw in SM Annex yesterday, Avila said that traffic in the city has gradually become unmanageable. “This is the result of the continuing economic improvement of
the city, and we need to come up with a solution to this before it gets worse,” he said. Avila said the city is collating data useful on the transportation situation and reviewing research funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for a sustainable urban transport system in Davao City. The ADB spent about $1 million for the project and the study is expected to provide strategic options to
250 families displaced by floods in GenSan, neighboring areas
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ENERAL SANTOS CITY– Around 250 families have been displaced as flashfloods and big coastal waves swept several villages in this city and nearby South Cotabato and Sarangani provinces in the last three days. Jerome Barranco, Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Region 12 acting director, said Monday the floods and the surge in coastal waves were caused by torrential rains and strong winds spawned by the prevailing Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). He said two riverside
villages in this city and one in Polomolok town in South Cotabato were affected by the flashfloods while five communities in a coastal village in Maasim, Sarangani were battered by the big waves. Hardest hit was Purok Riverside of Barangay Silway 8 in Polomolok where 144 families or a total of 513 individuals have already evacuated as a result of the floods, which started on Saturday afternoon. The floods in the area were caused by the swelling of the critical Matin-ao
F250 FAMILIES, 10
achieve capability in the public transportation system in Davao City. Avila said that an average of 700,000 people commute everyday using public transport, including over 10,000 tricycles and 5,400 public utility jeepneys. “The study is recommendatory,” he said, adding, “This way, we can alleviate the problem of traffic congestion.” The plan to estab-
lish bicycle lanes in the city should also be pursued, Avila said. “Marami na ang gumagamit ng bikes as a means of transportation sa Davao City.” A bicycle ordinance was passed in the city council last 2010, with the implementing rules and regulations currently being crafted. “This will lessen carbon emissions; this will address users who want to save on transportation fares,” Avila said.
HEPATITIS DAY. Dr. Marilyn Arguillas, Hepatology Society of the Phils. immediate past president, talks about the dangers of acquiring hepatitis during yesterday’s press briefing at the Davao Doctors Hospital to promote the upcoming celebration
E L AT I V E LY good” and “truthful, inspiring, visionary,” were the only reactions that Edge Davao got on President Benigno Aquino’s fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) yesterday. Edge Davao asked for the reaction of certain people on the one hour and 40 minute SONA of the president yesterday, but most of those queried said they failed to watch it on bational TV. Commission on Elections (Comelec) Region 11 director, Jay Balisado, said P-Noy’s SONA was “relatively good,” while acting Bureau of Customs Region 11 collector. lawyer Edward Dy Buco, said it was, “truthful, inspiring and visionary.” Davao Light assistant vice-president for Corporate Communications Ross Luga and Phoe-
nix Corporate Affairs Manager Ben Sur were too busy with meetings and event preparations which is why they were not able to watch the SONA. Other people contacted who were not able to watch were from the government sector, including the personal assistant of the city mayor, Lawrence “Bong” Go, councilor Leo Avilla, City Tourism Office head Lisette Marques, and Colonel Casiano Monilla, Task Force Davao Commander, Col Monilla. San Isidro de Chokolate Company marketing director Dante Muyco and Ateneo de Davao University Research Council (URC) head Lourdesita Sobrevega-Chan, and Vantage Sports Promotion race director Kenneth Sai were not able to watch the SONA live.
Public-private partnership for Kadayawan gearing up
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HE City Government of Davao along with the city’s private sector is steadily preparing for one of its biggest annual festivals, the 2013 Kadayawan with the signing of Executive Order 15 last July 16 by the City Mayor The EO mandates the creation of the steering committee of the 2013 Kadayawan sa Dabaw Festival and
for other purposes. Mayor Rodrigo Duterte will chair the festival executive committee alongside vice-chairpersons Paolo Duterte, the City Vice-Mayor who will lead the Government Sector and businesswoman Gene Bangayan who will represent the private sector.
FPUBLIC-PRIVATE, 10
of the World Hepatitis Day 2013 slated on July 28, 2013 at Abreeza Mall. Lean Daval Jr.
EDGEDAVAO
SUBURBIA
VOL. 6 ISSUE 92 • TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013
GENERAL SANTOS CITY
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40 families flee floods in Polomolok S
OME 40 families of a riverside community in Polomolok town in South Cotabato fled to higher ground as flashfloods swept the area on Saturday afternoon. A report from the South Cotabato Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), said the floods were triggered by hours of
SURIGAO CITY
torrential rains that eventually caused the Matin-ao River in Polomolok town to overflow. John Lorca, PDRRMO operations officer, said the affected families were mostly residents of Purok Riverside in Barangay Silway 8. He said local rescue teams facilitated the evacuation of the area’s
residents on Saturday evening due to the rising water level along the river, which drains towards the Sarangani Bay through the Silway River here. Citing initial reports from the Polomolok Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, 14 families lost their homes after being swept by the rushing floodwaters.
In General Santos City, six houses situated near the banks of the Silway River were damaged and washed away by the floods in Silway Fatima, Barangay Dadiangas West on Saturday night. The affected residents were also evacuated to safer grounds by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Region 12 said it is still validating reports on the other flooding incidents in the area. Jerome Barranco, acting OCD Region 12 director, said the flood and landslide alerts remain in effect in parts of the region due to the sporadic rains caused by an Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)
COMPOSTELA VALLEY
affecting the area. The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration noted in its Sunday forecast that Mindanao will continue to experience cloudy skies with light top moderate rainshowers and thunderstorms due to effects of the ITCZ. (Allen V. Estabillo/MindaNews)
Blast fishing rampant in 5 Surigao towns ComVal’s Zamora lauds truthful SONA
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IVE towns in Surigao del Norte are under tight watch by the Philippine National Police Maritime Office Caraga for alleged rampant dynamite fishing. Edgard Cuanan, regional director of PNP Maritime Caraga named the five towns as Tagana-an, Placer, Claver, Socorro and General Luna. Cuanan admitted they cannot eradicate illegal fishing activities in these areas. “We cannot totally eradicate the illegal fishing activities in these areas,” he told MindaNews. He appealed to concerned citizens to report to them the persons involved in the illegal activity.
COTABATO CITY
Aside from dynamite fishing, Cuanan said cyanide fishing is also rampant in General Luna town. The town is world famous for its surfing sites. He said government is seriously helping the fisherfolk through the Payao program of the government. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) launched in early March the nationwide deployment of fish aggregating devices or payaos for small fishermen operating within the country’s municipal fishing areas. Asis Perez, BFAR national director, said the initiative is part of ongoing efforts to provide more stable livelihood
opportunities for the municipal fishing sector and at the same time help protect and preserve the country’s fishing areas and resources. “We’re engaging directly with the small fishermen, providing them with the necessary inputs and gears so they could benefit more from our rich fishery resources,” he said. Cuanan hopes that with Payao, the fisherfolk would stop their illegal activities. Cuanan also said they will increase seaborne patrol operations to preempt and apprehend violators engaging in all form of illegal activities. (Roel Catoto / MindaNews)
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OMPOSTELA Valley Representative Maria Carmen Zamora believes that President Benigno Simeon Aquino III delivered a truthful State of the Nation Address (SONA) during the opening session Monday afternoon of the 16th House of Congress at the Batasang Pambansa, Quezon City. “We are very certain that President Aquino spoke about the big strides the country has achieved under his watch, especially on combating corruption, and in advancing transparency and the fight
to curb poverty and improve the economy,” Zamora said. “Chief among the topics he discussed are his intended next steps for inclusive economic growth, country performance, political reform, credit upgrades, reduced unemployment rates, and development plans,” she said. Zamora said that Aquino’s speech was be a heartfelt homage to the nation’s accomplishments on accountability, responsibility and commitment to change. “Just like SONA 2012, the 2013 ver-
DAVAO CITY
ZAMORA sion again served as a national anchor, and gave us a sense of accomplishment, and the optimism that we can truly achieve the impossible when we work together responsibly and honestly,” she said. (PNA)
MILF-MNLF clash hampers transpo in NorthCot Dabawenyos divided over President’s SONA A J
running gunbattle between feuding armed groups from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front had forced government authorities in Kidapawan City to temporarily close the national highway for almost an hour on Sunday afternoon. The rival Moro rebels clashed in barangay Patadon in Kidapawan City, forcing dozens of families to temporarily leave their homes, the military said. Capt. Antonio Bulao, spokesperson of the 602nd Infantry Brigade, said that about 5 a.m., the 57th Infantry Battalion learned about the massing of 100 MILF forces near Barangay Patadon where MNLF members and their families were about to harvest corn and other crops.
Patadon, in the boundary of Matalam and Kabacan town, is mostly dominated by MNLF members. Firefight ensued at 8 a.m. as MILF members attacked the villagers in Patadon, the military said, but no one was reported hurt. Bulao said that before the raid, MNLF members living in the village learned of the planned attack by MILF forces. “So the MNLF sent its armed followers to Patadon, strengthening their defense against intruding troops,” Bulao said. After few minuets of fierce battle, the MILF forces decided to withdraw. This also came after former congressman Jimmy Matalam appealed to Commander Noah Sabel of the MILF’s 108th base command.
But at 4 p.m., the MILF men came back with more troops, which triggered another gun battle. The firefight reached near the national highway, prompting government forces to temporarily close the road. North Cotabato Governor Emmylou Mendoza lamented that the conflict has affected the province’s economy, noting that despite efforts to settle differences, the feud has not been resolved. “They are fighting over a government-owned land which it is still a government property. I hope proper agencies will come to address the issue,” Mendoza said. Senior Supt. Danilo Peralta, provincial police director of North Cotabato, said the fighting between the MILF and MNLF armed men in the
area is not political in nature but more driven on land conflict. “It is not an organizational conflict but more of a land dispute involving Moro families who have ties with the revolutionary movement,” he said. The confrontation between the two groups was still part of the conflict involving the same groups in nearby Matalam town, also in North Cotabato. Earlier this year, MILF and MNLF forces clashed in Barangay Marbel in Matalam when MNLF members accused MILF forces of bringing their guns in an MNLF-recognized community as they conducted advocacy work on the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB). (Ferdinandh Cabrera / MindaNews)
UST before President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his 4th State of the Nation Address Monday afternoon, residents here are divided over what the President had done during his incumbency for more than three years. Taxi driver Jonathan Tacsan said that even with or without SONA, nothing has been reportedly done on the continued increase of oil commodities like diesel and gasoline that make their lives even more poorer. “The government is still doing nothing to regulate the prices of gasoline and diesel. Life is harder to us,” Tacsan said in vernacular. Another taxi driver, Randy Bustamante, echoed the same sentiment, adding that because of the failure of the government to increase salary of Filipino workers they also find it hard to look for more passengers.
“Since many could not afford to pay taxi meters, our supposed passengers would prefer to ride public utility jeepneys,” Bustamante said. He said fuel rollback and salary increase go together to uplift the lives of the poor like him. But another resident, Ernie Gantalao, has viewed different thing, saying he was satisfied with the performance of the Aquino administration. “Compared to other past presidents, Aquino has done a lot of things to improve our lives by implementing the 4Ps (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program) for indigents,” Gantalao said. First year college student Jan Marie Aganod even commended the President for the betterment of the educational system, especially giving scholarship grants to poor but deserving students. (PNA)
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EDGEDAVAO
NATION
VOL. 6 ISSUE 92 • TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013
Akbayan calls for deeper reforms A
S President Benigno Simeon Aquino III reaches the halfway point of his “daang matuwid” governance, Akbayan Partylist calls for “repormang walang patid” to institute deeper, broader and transformative reforms to curb inequality. “Limits of good governance paradigm” “While Aquino’s past three years have certainly yielded victories and gains for the people, particularly in the government’s anti-corruption efforts; it has also shown the limits of a good governance paradigm if unaccompanied by structural reforms addressing critical issues of poverty and inequality. As such, the Aquino government must now make more decisive steps to bring more and bolder reforms to where they matter most,” Akbayan Deputy Secretary General Emman Hizon said. Time to hit home runs, flush out the weak links Hizon said President Aquino has already proven that he is different and even better than Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. He said now is the time to
MANILA
“hit home runs.” “Whereas the first three years of “daang matuwid” had its understandable share of uneven execution despite the good intentions, now that President Aquino has reached the halfway point and started to fill the bases, people are expecting that his government will make more decisive steps to bring more and bolder reforms to where they matter most. It is time to hit home runs,” Hizon said. Hizon added that it is imperative on Aquino to mobilize his political capital to address the serious threats to his “tuwid na daan” governance. He reminded the President that the chain is only as strong as its weakest link. The Aquino administration’s score card against corruption registers hits and misses. Surely, the hits outnumber the misses, and there are few images more compelling than that of a fallen corrupt Chief Justice listening to judgment delivered to him, but the misses are significant enough to be worrisome,” Hizon said.
MINDANAO ADVOCACY. The Mindanao Solidarity Network peace advocacy group thanks President Benigno C. Aquino III for advancing the GPH-MILF peace process to attain lasting peace in Mindanao. The group composed of Hizon said the President should address the P 10B pork barrel scandal which highlighted the serious flaws in existing mechanisms of distribution, audit and allocation of pork, creating opportunities for abuse by high-ranking legislators. He also mentioned the OFW sex-for-flight scan-
dal, which he described as another kind of predatory behavior within the ranks of government. While we believe that the President has good men and women working for the country and the culture of corruption and impunity that has set our country back has been mitigated, this
Drilon is Senate president, Enrile now minority leader
A
S expected, administration Senator Franklin Drilon has been elected new Senate president via overwhelming 17 votes as the Senate formally opened the first regular session of the 16th Congress Monday morning. In his acceptance speech at the Batasan complex in Quezon City, Drilon urged the new senators to share fresh ideas and work with veteran colleagues to do their share in nation building. ”Let us set aside political differences. We must think innovation and solution. Let us do our share in nation building. Our people are expecting from us. Let us not fail them,” Drilon said. The senators who voted for Drilon include Sonny Angara, Paolo Benigno Aquino IV, Alan Cayetano, Pia Cayetano, Lito Lapid, Loren Legarda, Francis Escudero, Antonio Trillanes IV, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Serge Osmena III, Aquilino Pimentel III, Grace Poe, Ralph Recto, Ramon Revilla Jr., Cynthia Villar, Teofisto Guingona III and Juan Ponce Enrile. Enrile, by tradition, voted for Drilon as the former Senate president
has been nominated for Senate president but only for the purpose of getting the minority bloc leadership. Aside from Drilon, Enrile got votes from Senators Jinggoy Estrada, Vicente Sotto III, Gregorio Honasan II, Nancy Binay and JV Ejercito, who automatically became members of the minority bloc. Later, Recto has been elected unopposed as new Senate President Pro-Tempore while Alan Cayetano as Senate majority leader. Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago missed
the first session reportedly due to health problem. The committee chairmanships will be announced in the following days. Drilon will open the joint session of Congress in the House of Representatives where President Benigno Aquino III will deliver his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) in the afternoon. It was the fourth time Drilon has been elected Senate president. Former President and now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada and wife former senator Loi Estrada as
well as Vice President Jejomar Binay attended the Senate opening in support of their children. Senators Binay and Ejercito nominated Enrile for Senate president while another two neophytes, Angara and Poe stood up to nominate Drilon. The Senate session started at exactly 10:06 a.m. with acting Senate president Jinggoy Estrada as chairman and Honasan as acting majority leader. Enrile and Sotto resigned as Senate president and majority leader before the last 15th Congress adjourned last June. (PNA)
civil society organization, students, advocates and think tanks gathered at the Quezon City Hall on Monday (July 22, 2013) before the President delivers his SONA. (PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan) administration must act with dispatch to flush out the weak links from the system and exact justice, when necessary,” Hizon said. Strategic anti-poverty programs, not just CCT Akbayan also called for strategic anti-poverty programs to complement the government’s Condi-
tional Cash Transfer program which it said is only a stop-gap measure for the poorest of the poor. “We call on President Aquino to work towards the realization of strategic and broader anti-poverty programs with more transformative effects in their lived realities,” Hizon pointed out.
B R I E F S
Japan PM Shinzo Abe sets PHL visit A TABLE tennis tournament hosted by the Indonesian Consulate and the annual Emcor Chess Tournament are main dishes as the Davao Sportwriters Association (DSA) Forum resumes at 10:30 a.m. today at Dexter’s Pizza Stadium in Matina. Consul General Eko Hartono will brief DSA members on a table tennis meet slated July 13 at SM City Davao. It will be held in celebration of the Indonesia’s Independence Day. National master (NM) Prospero “Bebot” Cruz tackles the Emcor chessfest that will pit boys and girls chess teams of different schools and colleges in Davao City. Dexter’s Pizza Stadium, owned by Jimmy and Bai Lim, is host of the weekly sports forum today and on July 11. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will be undertaking an official visit to Manila from July 26 to 27. The Prime Minister will meet with President Benigno S. Aquino III to discuss bilateral cooperation and regional issues, and further advance the Strategic Partnership between the Philippines and Japan. The last time that the prime minister of Japan visited the Philippines was in December 2006 when Prime Minister Abe visited Manila during his first term as the head of the Japanese government. Japan is one of only two strategic partners of the Philippines. In 2012, Japan was the Philippines’ number one trade partner and provider of official development assistance as well as the second major source of approved investments and third source of tourist arrivals. (PNA)
CAAP allots P102M for repair, rehab of flight inspection aircraft The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines has allotted more than P102 million for the repair and rehabilitation of its only flight inspection aircraft. In its website, the CAAP said that bidding for the repair and rehabilitation of the Super King Air B200 is now open of which the pre-bid conference will be held at the CAAP office along MIA road in Pasay City on July 25. A flight inspection aircraft is vital for the calibration of navigational aids. At present, the CAAP depends on the services of a private company to calibrate navigational aids at a cost of at least P40 million a year. A brand new Super King Air B200 costs some US$ 10 million, while its instrumentation which is used in the calibration of navigational aids amount to some US$ 3.2 million. The CAAP acquired its Super King Air B200 in 1992. (PNA)
THE ECONOMY 5
EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 92 • TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013
BSP exec hopes for higher capitalization A
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) executive is hoping that President Benigno Aquino III will include
among the administration’s priority bills the amendment of the central bank’s BSP Charter, which includes the in-
crease in its capitalization. BSP Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo said the higher capital-
ization is “very urgent” to further strengthen the central bank’s capacity to fulfil its mandate of ensuring price stability
SALE RUSH. Shoppers troop to SM Lanang Premier for the mall’s Great 3-Day Sale even minutes before the mall closes just to avail of the big discounts Sunday night. Lean Daval Jr.
in the domestic economy. “The increasing uncertainty in the global market warrants the strengthening of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas as a monetary authority,” he said. Earlier, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima said BSP Charter amendment is among the nine proposed bills that he hopes will be included in the Executive branch’s measures. The central bank has been ending the day year in net loss for the past three years as it addresses the strengthening of the peso to a dollar among others. The local currency has generally proven its firmness against the US currency on back of continuing improvement in the country’s fundamentals making investors bullish on the economy, which lends credence to the local unit. BSP, under the Central Bank Act of 1993, is mandated to have a P50 billion capitalization af-
ter it was reorganized from the debt-laden Central Bank of the Philippines. It was initially given P10 billion in its first year of operations. The Aquino administration gave the BSP P10 billion in December 2011 on back of improvement of fiscal situation and P20 billion in December 2012. It vowed to give the remaining P10 billion capitalization in December this year. However, monetary officials said the increasing demand of its mandate calls for higher capitalization. Admitting that providing cash is really a tough task given that the government also needs the cash to finance its programs, Guinigundo raised the possibility of burden sharing but declined to elaborate. He said BSP has yet to submit another version of its proposed Charter Change amendment that contains among others how its capitalization would be hiked. (PNA)
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THE ECONOMY
Stat Watch 1. Gross National Income Growth Rate (At Constant 2000 Prices)
7.1 1st Qtr 2013
2. Gross Domestic Product Growth Rate (At Constant 2000 Prices)
7.8 1st Qtr 2013
3. Exports 1/ 4. Imports 1/ 5. Trade Balance 6. Balance of Payments 2/ 7. Broad Money Liabilities
USD 3,741 million Feb 2013 USD 4,708 million Feb 2013 USD -967 million Feb 2013 USD -640 million Dec 2012 P 4,964,560 million Feb 2013
8. Interest Rates 4/
2.4 % Mar 2013 P113,609 million Mar 2013 P 5,281 billion Mar 2013
9. National Government Revenues 10. National government outstanding debt 11. Peso per US $ 5/
P 41.14 Apr 2013
12. Stocks Composite Index 6/
6,847.5 Mar 2013
13. Consumer Price Index 2006=100
132.8 Apr 2013
14. Headline Inflation Rate 2006=100
2.6 Apr 2013
15. Core Inflation Rate 2006=100
3.1 Apr 2013
16. Visitor Arrivals
418,108 Feb 2013
17. Underemployment Rate 7/
20.9% Jan 2013
18. Unemployment Rate 7/
7.1% Jan 2013
MONTHLY AVERAGE EXCHANGE RATE (January 2012-April 2013) Month Average December November October September August July June May April March February January
2013
2012
2011
40.67 40.73
42.23 41.01 41.12 41.45 41.75 42.04 41.91 42.78 42.85 42.70 42.86 42.66 43.62
43.31 43.64 43.27 43.45 43.02 42.42 42.81 43.37 43.13 43.24 43.52 43.70 44.17
VOL. 6 ISSUE 92 • TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013
EDGEDAVAO
NEDA regional offices accept nominees for volunteer awards T
HE regional offices of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) are now accepting regional nominations for this year’s Search for Outstanding Volunteers (SOV). The SOV recognizes the exemplary performance and dedication of Filipino volunteers as they build strong communities across the country. Since 2001, the SOV had recognized 101 volunteers and volunteer organizations that have initiated and/or assisted development projects in different sectors nationwide and served as models whose contributions to society are considered best practices
in volunteerism. All individuals of Filipino citizenship, Filipino volunteer organizations, or local chapters of foreign volunteer organizations that currently provide volunteer assistance in the Philippines are eligible to participate. The Award categories are (1) National Outstanding Volunteer Award (NOVA) for outstanding volunteer individuals and organizations, including corporate volunteering initiatives and (2) Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Award (VLAA) for those who had engaged in consistent volunteering activities for at least twenty-five (25) years and attained national
status and recognition and the field of volunteerism. The SOV also recognizes through Special Citations individual/s and organization/s with special contribution to volunteerism and have made a difference in the history of Philippine volunteering. Nominations from Metro Manila must be submitted to the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA), while those from the regions must be submitted to the NEDA Regional Offices (NROs). Meanwhile, nominations from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) must be submitted to the Regional Planning Development Of-
fice (RPDO). Deadline for submission of nominations is on 23 August 2013. Nomination forms are available at PNVSCA, NROs and the ARMM-RPDO and can be downloaded at their respective websites. For more information, please contact Mr. Kenneth C. Siruelo, PNVSCA at (632) 381-0559 / (632) 4357999; email: info@pnvsca. gov.ph or visit www.pnvsca. gov.ph. The PNVSCA, which is one of the seven agencies attached to NEDA, is the government agency mandated to promote and coordinate volunteer programs and services in the Philippines.
ers who were based abroad as OFW’s. In spite of its past success, BFS urges the qualified Balikatan accountholders to resolve their accounts earlier since the foreclosure process does not stop until and unless they enter into a loan settlement agreement with Balikatan. The extended Panalo Max Offer runs up to September 23, 2013 In the past seven years, BFS has constantly tried to
reach its borrowers in efforts to encourage them to avail of its affordable condonation programs. The company has created a number of channels its dedicated account specialists can use to communicate to clients. Past efforts have used letters, phone calls, SMS, B-Online (an online video counselling service), including door-to-door visits to key areas such as Metro Manila, Cavite, Bulacan, La-
guna, Rizal, Batangas, Bataan, Pampanga, General Santos, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod and Iloilo. Since BFS took over the highly-delinquent portfolio from the National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation (NHMFC) in 2006, thousands of Filipino families throughout the country were helped to fully resolve their long outstanding and overdue loan obligations.
Loan condonation, restructuring for Balikatan borrowers
B
AHAY Financial Services, Inc. (BFS) extended its loan condonation and restructuring program in continuing its effort to help Balikatan borrowers realize their homeownership aspirations. Called the Panalo Max Offer, the program was first launched in April 2012 and its primary objective was to offer highly-discounted terms for delinquent Balikatan borrowers as well as other term financing resolutions depending on the status of borrowers’ accounts. “It has been BFS’ policy that foreclosure is a last resort and least preferred option in resolution situations. We want borrowers to be able to save their homes and get closure rather than see them go through foreclosure and eviction because of one reason or another. This is what the extended Panalo Max Offer represents – a ‘helping hand’ extended by BFS in realizing our borrowers’ dreams of homeownership,” explained Juno Henares-Chuidian, Head of Corporate Communication. To date, the response for the Panalo Max Offer has been positive with thousands of borrowers resolving their accounts which included Balikatan borrow-
PUBLIC WARNING. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Davao City director Teolulo Pasawa warns the public not to buy substandard products such as lighters, electrical and construction materi-
als during yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao. Lean Daval Jr.
as of May 2013 Cebu Pacific Daily Zest Air Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Philippine Airlines Daily Philippine Airlines Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri/Sun Philippine Airlines Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Thu
5J961 / 5J962 Z2390 / Z2390 5J593 / 5J348 PR809 / PR810 PR819 / PR820 5J394 / 5J393 5J599 / 5J594 5J347 / 5J596 5J963 / 5J964 PR811 / PR812 5J595 / 5J966 5J965 / 5J968
5:45 5:45 6:00 6:10 7:50 7:50 8:00 9:10 9:40 11:30 12:00 12:55
Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Cebu-Davao-Iloilo Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Zamboanga-Davao-Zamboanga Cebu-Davao-Cebu Iloilo-Davao-Cebu Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Cebu-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila
6:15 6:25 6:30 7:00 8:50 8:10 8:30 9:40 10:10 12:20 12:30 13:25
Cebu Pacific Tue/Wed//Sat 5J965 / 5J968 13:35 Silk Air Mon/Sat MI588 / MI588 13:35 Silk Air Wed/Sun MI566 / MI566 15:20 Silk Air Thurs MI551 / MI551 12:05 Cebu Pacific Mon/Tue/Wed/Fri 5J507 / 5J598 15:00 Philippine Airlines August 15:55 Mani2Mani 16:50 Zest Air Daily Z2524 / Z2525 16:05
Manila-Davao-Manila Davao-Singapore Davao-Singapore Davao-Singapore Cebu-Davao-Cebu
14:05 18:55 18:55 15:45 15:30
Cebu-Davao-Cebu
16:45
EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 92 • TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013
STARTLING FACT
SCIENCE/ENVIRONMENT
7
World policymakers rely on news items instead of science journals By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO njb@edgedavao.net
T
HE world’s government think tanks are looking out to that newspaper, not science journals, to help them shape policies that would spell the difference in people’s lives. According to a research, policy makers in the world’s most advanced economies consider news articles as reference and basis for research and development measures over the more extensive but highly technical science journals. “Surprisingly, policy makers turn to newspaper articles and not science journals anymore,” said Otula Owuor of the London-based SciDev. Net, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing reliable and authoritative information about science and technology for the developing world. Speaking before journalists from the Philippine Press Institute (PPI) during a threeday Science Journalism Workshop at the Intercontinental Manila in Makati last week, Owour cited a 2012 study by the UK’s Institute of Development Studies (IDS) which found policymakers in six developing countries admitting that their most common source of information was “details from news items”. News stories ranked higher than journal papers, government policy papers and research produced by high-profile international organizations, the study revealed. The reason for the preference to science newspaper reports could be attributed to
SKILLS UPGRADING. Science journalism workshop sponsored by the SciDev Network for members of the Philippine Press Institute pose for a picture after the second day (July 18) of the workits accessibility and layman’s presentation. Science journals could be very technical and with such a complex subject as science, understanding its complexities is the first obstacle to communication. The challenge is now on the hands of science journalists to communicate on layman’s platform the minutiae of science. Science journalism, according to Owour, can help improve lives. Ariel Sebellino, executive director of the PPI, however, believes science journalism is not yet given as much prominence as other beats. A three-day seminar workshop conducted by SciDev.Net and attended
by PPI members hopes to address that dearth in science pages. Owour said the playing field is just about the same for science journalists in other countries. He revealed that science journalists worldwide complain of being a “lonely bunch” placed in distant corners of newsrooms. “They (science journalists) do not get the editorial attention given to sports, business and even entertainment reporters and they are seen as only good when bringing exclusive breakthrough stories,” Owour said. SciDev.Net also noted that journalists nowadays find themselves covering complex sci-
PARTNERSHIP. SciDev.Net SEAP Regional Coordinator Joel Adriano talks about the partnership between SciDev.Net and the Philippine Press Institute.
shop. Held at the Intercontinental Hotel in Makati City, the workshop is aimed at upgrading skills of journalist participants.(Photo courtesy of PPI)
entific issues that are rapidly finding their way into newsrooms. It encourages journalists to discard the myth that there is minimal or no science to communicate in developing nations. According to SciDev. Net, the media’s important role as the people’s watchdog makes it their social, professional and ethical responsibility to report on science. Science journalists, the organization says, have a professional duty to let the public know what goes on behind the scenes in science labs. It could be matter of life and death, and is not PR for scientists. “Improved gathering and dissemination of science information including research results can help save lives, reduce poverty, and improve people’s quality of life” Owour said. The 22 conference delegates shared the same realization that science stories abound in print and need only a deeper and more prominent treatment in newspapers. “Science stories abound, sometimes we just didn’t realize it but they are there all the time,” said May Anne
IMPORTANCE OF SCIENCE JOURNALISM. Otula Owuor, SciDev.Net
resource trainor, stresses on the importance of science journalism.
Cacdac of Sun Star Baguio during the group discussions. Carlos Bautista of the Mindanao Cross also believes there is a science angle in most stories but stressed that there is a need to put a human face in science journalism. “We have to demystify science and put a human face in our stories.” The PPI and SciDev.
Net partnership hopes to elevate the appreciation of science journalism in the Philippines. The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through Prof. Aristotle Carandang, who was also one of the speakers in the conference, plans to tie up with the PPI in promoting a regular channel of information from the government agency.
8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO
EDITORIALS
I
VOL. 6 ISSUE 92 • TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013
Long SONA
T WAS a long SONA (State of the Nation Address) that President Aquino delivered yesterday before a joint session of Congress. It was lengthy because the President had plenty to report, his avid supporters insist. The President was applauded more than 90 times, according to television giant ABS-CBN which presumably took pains to count the number of times the live audience clapped their hands (although there were some who clearly did not show such appreciation, which is understandable). Indeed, for two hours and forty minutes, Mr. Aquino rattled off a litany of his administration’s achievements since his ascension to Malacanang in 2010. The SONA was a record in itself as being the longest recorded in memory.
The length of the situationer must have been inspired by the 9-3 result of the PNoy Team-UNA senatorial contest in last May 13’s midyear elections. As for his local critics---the militants, especially---well, over a thousand them converged on Davao City’s Rizal Park after a march they dubbed as their own SONA where they as expected downplayed Aquino’s achievements as a pack of “lies”. Still, the remaining three years of President PNoy’s term bear watching. Presidential rhetoric aside, three years would either be too short to achieve all that PNoy intends to buttress the legacy he will leave behind when he steps down eventually, or too long for a failed presidency.
Mindanao’s fortune
E
ARLIER, before President Aquino’s State of Nation’s Address (SONA) was delivered yesterday, there was an election of committee leaders of the House of Representatives and the Philippine Senate. Elected to lead the most powerful committee of the House – the Committee on Appropriations – was Rep. Isidro T. Ungab of Davao City’s 3rd legislative district. All Dabawenyos, especially the constituents of his third district who did not put up any opposition to his candidacy for a third term, should
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EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 92 •TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013
O
VANTAGE POINTS
It matters more than ever
BSERVING THE CONSPIRACY OF SILENCE – It’s not surprising at all that Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte renewed his all-out campaign against criminality particularly drug abuse. But he is having concern in avoiding persistent questions about the alleged involvement of some enterprising rogue cops in the proliferation of the illegal but highly lucrative drugs deal. More intriguing are questions allegedly surrounding the role of some thick-witted barangay officials in the flourishing of illegal drugs in their respective neighborhoods. Efforts to stop the illegal drugs trade in the city and suburban areas are reportedly waning despite stringent measures being undertaken by law authorities. The massive production of illegal drugs notably the synthetic-based methamphetamine hydrochloride or popularly known as ‘shabu’ is the major problem. Some sources likewise operate in Davao City and drug dealers’ coffers are rich with profit. Different drug syndicates pocketed hundred millions of pesos the last two years from their profitable dealings, with big-time pushers – taking up to hundred times a policeman’s salary even expecting further growth this year and beyond. While the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), the lead government unit task to run after drug syndicates deployed composite teams of law enforcers to smash up drug laboratories thriving across the country, the agency is pleading for more financial aid to augment its intensified operations aimed at slashing down or stopping totally the production of shabu and cultivation of the lowly local poppy plant “marijuana.” Meanwhile the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) and the regional anti-drug operatives got another boost when the series of raids
they conducted eventually yielded several drug suspects specifically in Boulevard, Bucana, mini forest and Isla Verde areas known as lairs of drug dealers and users in the city. However, the bad news is that we often heard people saying it is virtually impossible to minimize if not totally stamp out illegal drugs trade. But that doesn’t mean the police and drug enforcers shouldn’t try. And if they know one thing about the illegal but highly profitable drug business, it’s that drug dealers stick to what they know best – penetrate the mass base. That’s a dilemma for law authorities because it’s a task they could never do just by themselves without the cooperation and coordination of the barangay officials and residents. There is always a continuous secret flow of prohibited drugs, and law enforcers have to sensitize everyone from boot-polish boy to the trike drivers to the lowly ‘tambays’ in every ghetto because everybody observed the “code of silence.” Still, some things are known. Ardent observers have often commented that the thing the police and drug enforcement units lack is not more men but better and effective surveillance and intelligence network. The observation may be justly held because it was a desperate people’s reaction to the real drug problem situation. But whatever the difficulties confronting city officials, Mayor Duterte above all, the police and drug enforcers, the situation elsewhere in the
city is slowly improving, and composite teams of law enforcers continue to apprehend suspected drug distributors and users in areas where drug abuse is rampant. In the streets of the city, many point their fingers at some corrupt and greedy cops – and intelligence source claims they are directly involve in the illegal drug trade either as distributor or protector of drug syndicates. The problem – one that law authorities have faced when confronting the situation – is that an “all-out war” against drugs in the urban areas notably in the slum districts and squatter colonies run the risk of losing the confidence of the residents because they’re not used to that. It would mean, in short, police operation alone is not the solution to help them recoup from destitution is to provide them with basic needs because this would hold them back from dealing with drug syndicates. In many occasions, Mayor Duterte warned that Davao City can be a dangerous place for criminal elements, most particularly drug syndicates. The local government and law authorities therefore should be resolute in registering its bite when dealing with the increasing drug abuse problems. The all-out campaign against all forms of lawlessness notably illegal drugs has always mattered, and with Mayor Rody at the helm of governance even matters more than ever. Duterte still has much to do to clean up the city of underworld characters - clamping down on drug syndicates, clearing the area from robbery-holdup gangs, kidnap-for-ransom and carnap groups and big-time swindlers have long been part of his crusade. Criminal elements should therefore heed the mayor’s harsh warning to avoid severe retribution.
Let’s face it: Pork Barrel is a giant scam per se
E
VEN the President has been hemming and hawing on the issue, as if it can be justified after all the dirt that has been uncovered around it. But who can deny that it is reprehensible, shameless, and downright abhorrent to Filipino sensibility and sense of propriety if not of morality? To be fixated on Pork or its euphemism—Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF)—is understandable in people with questionable values or morals. Such people do not willingly part with profit or privilege, especially one that entails no investment of money, time, talent, or energy. The fixation becomes even more intense and enduring if it is tax-free and requires minimal or no reporting—meaning, no transparency or accountability,
WORM’S EYEVIEW MANNY VALDEHUESA
(Conclusion) A fondness for this political largesse is also understandable in unscrupulous, criminally-susceptible people. Being entitled to huge Pork allowances gives one a convenient facility for covering-up any number of illicit or aggrandizing activity such as money-laundering, gambling, hostage-taking, or drug-dealing. However one may explain or justify it, this craving for gratuitous political largesse is reprehensible and unbecoming of a man or woman who purports to be a leader or statesman. It would be ridiculous to expect opportunists and abusers of taxpayers
and public finance to be statesmen. The very thought denigrates the concept of what a legislator or lawmaker is. It demeans the person and trivializes the office he holds. But the prevailing ethos in politics seems to be: So what and who the hell cares! And so, never mind if this corrupt entitlement makes a travesty of elections, whose outcomes are determined by the amount or number of Pork-funded projects poured into a district. And never mind if it spreads corruption and immorality throughout the body politic. There is a saying about loose money: Easy come, Easy go! Yes, and a great waste! [MindaViews is the opinion section of MindaNews. Manny Valdehuesa is the president and national convenor of Gising Barangay Movement Inc. He can be reached at valdehuesa@gmail.com.)]
9
The Revenue Generation and Wealth Sharing Annex: Constitutional Issues RIVERMAN’S VISTA ANTONIO G. M. LA VIÑA
(1st of three parts)
Q
UEZON CITY -- After initial setbacks, the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have finally agreed on the arrangement on Revenue Generation and Wealth Sharing. In formulating the Annex the parties took cognizance of the parameters set by existing laws, e.g., the 1987 Constitution and the Local Government Code of 1991. Specifically, it takes into account section 18 of Republic Act 7160 also known as the Local Government Code of 1991 on Power to Generate and Apply Resources which mandates “…a just share in national taxes which shall be automatically and directly released to them without need of any further action; to have an equitable share in the proceeds from the utilization and development of the national wealth and resources within their respective territorial jurisdictions including sharing the same with the inhabitants by way of direct benefits…” This is also in keeping with Sec. 7, Art. 3 of the 1987 Constitution on Declarations of Principles and State Policies which provides“…an equitable share in the proceeds of the utilization and development of the national wealth within their respective areas, in the manner provided by law…” In line with the above provisions of law, the parties set the following taxation principles namely: devolution of powers, equalization, equity, accountability, administrative simplicity, harmonization, economic efficiency and fiscal autonomy. A reading of the Annex will show a preferential treatment to the Bangsamoro vis-a-vis the national government in the sharing of revenues and creates a larger revenue base than its predecessor, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) giving it powers already devolved to the ARMM. Recognizing that revenue generation is very important in the operation of the Bangsamoro, the parties agreed on the following revenue and wealth sharing arrangements described below. *Revenue generation* On taxes. All taxes levied on capital gains tax, documentary stamp tax, donor’s tax, and estate tax shall pertain entirely to the Bangsamoro. For other taxes, fees and charges collected by the Central Government within the Bangsamoro, excluding tariff and customs duties, the sharing is 75%-25% in favor of the Bangsamoro and its constituent local government units. In addition, all the taxing and revenue generation powers already granted to the ARMM under R.A. No. 9054 and other earlier laws shall be transferred to the Bangsamoro. Compare this with those granted to LGUs by the Local government Code which only includes real property taxes, business taxes and other non-tax revenues; of course other than the IRA and other external revenues. While the Annex does not grant the Bangsamoro power to collect income tax, taxes however from capital gains tax, documentary stamp tax, donor’s tax and estate tax within the Bangsamoro will accrue entirely to the Bangsamoro. While the Annex clearly grants additional share and powers to the Bangsamoro, from the constitutional perspective this is justified by the overall concept of regional autonomy granted to Muslim Mindanao. There is nothing in the Constitution which prevents Congress from granting such share and powers. *On minerals, oil and gas*
10
VOL. 6 ISSUE 92 • TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013
Sugar-coated.. FFROM 1 accessible education, health services, decent housing, land for the farmers, and improved social services, for the masses to truly understand those numbers. In Manila, President Aquino delivered a onehour-and-40 minute SONA which listed the monumental achievements of the government. The factual report was applauded more than 80 times.
In a press release called “Bayan to Noynoy’s SONA: empty rhetioric, brazen lies,” it stated that, according to surveys from the National Statistical Coordinating Board, there is an additional 2.7 million unemployed Filipinos. The press release also stated that the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported a 6.8 percent unemployment rate in the country this year, higher than
the neighboring countries in Asian countries like Thailand with 0.5 percent, Singapore 1.8, Malaysia 3.1, South Korea 2.8, Taiwan 4.3, and China 4.1. Duazo said, they were expecting 2,000 protesters, but as of 4 p.m. yesterday, some 300 protesters under the umbrella organization Bayan marched from the Freedom Park to Rizal Park via Ponciano Street yesterday.
River following hours of heavy rains, said Silway 8 barangay chair Dante Cosep. A report from the Polomolok Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) said no casualties were reported as a result of the incident but it damaged 89 houses, 20 of which were totally destroyed after being washed away by the rushing floodwaters. As of Monday morning, it said 342 individuals are taking temporary shelter at the Silway 8 barangay hall and gymnasium. Cosep said the barangay council and the MDRRMO already released initial food assistance and other relief goods to the evacuees. He said they are planning to seek the permanent relocation of the affected residents from the flooded area as it is quite close to the river and is considered a danger zone. “We will not allow them to return to the area and work out their relocation instead,” he said in a radio interview. In this city, the City
Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDDRMO) reported that 10 families from Purok Kindat and 16 from Purok Bulaong Extension in Barangay Labangal while eight other families from Purok Silway Fatima in Barangay Dadiangas West have also evacuated due to the floods. Two residents reportedly suffered minor injuries while fleeing from their flooded houses, it said. The floods, which destroyed four houses, were triggered anew by the swelling of the Silway River, said Hanna Juaquino of the CDRRMO. She said that aside from the 34 families that have evacuated, 260 other households situated in communities along the banks of the Silway River were affected by the floods but remained in their homes. Silway River, which flows to Sarangani Bay, is the main outlet of the Matin-ao River and several other river-tributaries from the upland areas in South Cotabato. Barranco said that in Maasim town in Saran-
gani, five coastal puroks of Barangay Malbang were battered by strong winds and big waves at the height of the heavy rains last Saturday. He said the Maasim MDRRMO reported that 76 families were affected by the incident. “According to the MDRRMO report, there were some fishing boats and houses that were damaged in the area,” Barranco said in an interview over TV Patrol Socsksargen. The official reiterated that the flood and landslide alerts remain in effect in Region 12 due to the prevailing ITCZ. Citing thunderstorm advisory number 09 issued by the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), he said residents should take extra precaution from the expected heavy rains, lighting, strong flashfloods and landslides. “Those in identified flood-prone areas should avoid passing by moving waters,” Barranco added. (Allen V. Estabillo / MindaNews)
The public-private partnership of the festival is a long tradition of the festival dating back in 1988 when it was first created. The EO seeks to enlist the support and participation of the private sector in the planning and execution of the festival activities in order to fully maximize the benefits of the festival. Duaw Davao Festivals Foundation will partner with the City Government during the Kadayawan 2013. They are tasked to handle the main activities which will in-
clude Opening Ceremonies, Lumadnong Gama (Indigenous Peoples Trade Fair), Pasalamat (thanksgiving), Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan (Streed Dancing), Pamulak sa Kadayawan (Floral Float Parade) and Konsiyerto/Pahalipay. Other private partners include the Samahan ng mga Musikeros sa Dabaw (Samadhi) will handle tunog Mindanaw, The Davao Association of Tour Operators will be in-charge of Hudyakaan sa Kadayawan (street party), Kaliwat Performing Artists
will have Moda Mindanaw (fashion competition) and Lumadnong Batawan (Indigenous Performance Showcase). While the National Commission for the Culture and the Arts (NCCA) will have Sayaw Mindanaw. Aside from recognizing the indigenous heritage of the city, Kadayawan is also one of the major tourism events in the country attracting tourists and visitors wanting to take part of the merry-making and display of cultural performances. (PIA/ RG Alama)
250 families.. FFROM 2
Public-private..FFROM 2
EDGEDAVAO
World Hepatitis Day observed on July 28 By EJ DOMINIC FERNANDEZ ejf@edgedavao.net
P
RESIDENT Benigno Aquino having delivered his State of the Nation Address (SOCA) yesterday, the Hepatology Society of the Philippines will also give its SOHe or State of Hepatitis in observance of World Hepatitis Day 2013 on July 28 at the Abreeza Mall here. World Hepatitis Day is an annual celebration all over the world first launched by the World Hepatitis Alliance in 2008 to raise awareness and influence change in preventing the disease and delivering testing and treatment. Hepatitis Society of the Philippines over-all chair Dr. Jose Rene Lacuesta said there will be a forum at the Abreeza to erase misconceptions about Hepatitis B and C and replace it with the right information. Immediate past president of Hepatitis Society of the Philippines Dr. Marilyn Arguillas said that one of the projects of the World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific Region Office and one of the goals of
the Hepatitis Society of the Philippines is to bring the carrying rate of Hepatitis B in the country down to less than five percent, especially among children 12 years old and below. Lacuesta said, it may take decades to attain that goal, citing that it took Taiwan a decade before they reached a carrying rate below five percent, and that Japan took a couple of years to bring their carrying rate from three percent to less than one percent because they focused on it and was adamant in eradicating the Hepatitis problem. Arguillas said, the latest statistics that Hepatitis Society of the Philippines come from a survey created in 2004 conducted among people 18 years old and above from Aparri to Jolo which shows that the country has a 16.5 percent carrying rate. She said that Hepatitis can lead to liver cirrhosis or liver cancer when complicated is very fatal, which is why they aim to prevent complications
among carriers by raising awareness. She said, there is treatment for Hepatitis B and the best way to prevent hepatitis is vaccination on newly born children, which is given by the government for free in barangay health centers. According to Dr. Jun Pilapil, a member of the Hepatitis Society of the Philippines, the most common misconceptions he encountered among his patients is that they think there is no cure for hepatitis B, when in fact there is. Arguillas said most of the patients she encountered were very desperate and depressed because they thoght they would die any time soon, or that there is no hope for those who want to go abroad or enroll in schools. These are common misconceptions that will be addressed during the forum at Abreeza Mall on July 28. “There is treatment for hepatitis B, and you will be taken cared of by your doctor when you go to them,” said Arguillas.
committee is considered the most powerful and influential committee in the House, which wields the “power of the purse.” According to the Philippine Constitution, all appropiations bills must originate from the House of Representatives. The Committee on Appropriations takes the lead on all matters related to expenditures of the national government. The chairman is at the helm of the committee during the entire budgeting process and automatically acts as co-chairman of the Congressional Oversight on Government Expenditures
together with the Finance Committee chairman of the Senate. It may be recalled that in the previous Congress, congressman Ungab was also chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means, another powerful committee in the House, which covers all the revenue aspects of the government. It was in the Committee on Ways and Means that Ungab was able to gain the respect and adminiration of his colleagues in Congress, including the Executive Branch of the government and civil society for leading the passage of the Sin Tax Reform Law which previous congresses failed to
pass. Ungab who is a former banker and councilor of Davao City, topping the councilor derby in the third district every election. Ungab finished his bachelor’s degree from the University of the Philippines at Los Banos, took a course in Advanced Bank Management at the Asian Institute of Management. He finished his master’s degree in Public Management at the Development Academy of the Philippines. Ungab is a native of Calinan. He is the son of the late Quirico Ungab, a veteran deputy mayor and political leader of the 3rd district.
Rep. Ungab.. FFROM 1
11 MOTORING CAR REVIEW: THE 2013 SUBARU FORESTER EDGEDAVAO
VOL. 6 ISSUE 92 • TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013
Living up a tradition S
UBARU has always cemented its reputation building turbocharged, championship-winning rally cars. After a time, this reputation has spread onto its road cars, where the most sought-after models typically have gapping hood scoops, bright-blue paint, and gold-colored rims. However, before getting into the world of motorsports, Subaru has always been synonymous with building solid, reliable, but somewhat quirky cars. Though the quirkiness has faded, Subaru continues the tradition of making bullet-proof cars (backed up by US-based data collector Polk that says 96 percent of Subarus purchased 12 years ago are still on the road). This tradition is pretty much alive in the all-new Subaru Forester 2.0 i-L—the compact crossover that manages to be the perfect everyday performer. Between siblings, it’s the turbocharged Forester XT that manages to grab the headlines over its nor-
mally-aspirated brother. And you can’t blame the XT for it. From tip to stern, the XT looks like the welltoned muscular athlete. On the other hand, the 2.0 i-L is more of a wallflower. The basic shape may be shared, but you’ll be surprised what a unique bumper, an additional exhaust pipe, and the two-tone alloys can do. The overall execution of the 2.0 i-L is much more subtle and though it doesn’t turn as much heads quickly, upon closer inspection, you have to commend it for being a complete package compared to other crossovers available today. First, you’ve got to congratulate Subaru for retaining the more traditional raised wagon look with the formal two-box shape as opposed to making the Forester look more like a computer mouse. Second, you’ve got to love the headlights that mold the LED park lights into a mesmerizing halo. Third, you’ll notice the power bulge on the hood and the scallop-shaped opening (for
improved aerodynamics). And lastly, it comes with a good list of exterior goodies commonly listed as ‘optional’ by its competition: HID headlamps with popup washers, front and
rear fog lamps, power folding side mirrors with turn signal repeaters, a rear spoiler, and 17-inch alloy wheels. As the Forester’s entry-level model, the 2.0 i-L does give up a lot of luxury and convenience features (the leather seats, moon roof, dual-zone climate control, power tailgate, to name a few are shown the
door), but it still manages to pack it where it counts. The fit and finish of the 2.0 i-L is top-notch with softtouch materials dotting the dashboard. The tighter panel gaps also eliminate rattles, a common problem with Subarus. The stalks, buttons, and knobs are all clearly marked and operate with a nice, tactile feel. The instrument cluster, though somewhat plain, offer highly-legible digits. In fact, if there’s one thing that betrays the 2.0 i-L’s entry-level status: the multi-information display on the center of the dash. There’s a wealth of information available such as
Average Fuel Mileage, Instantaneous Fuel Mileage, Distance to Empty, and Average Speed, but it looks like it was nicked from a 1980’s calculator. A higher-resolution display (not necessarily the colored display on the higher trim Subarus) would be welcome. While the archaic looking multi-information display disappoints, the 2.0 i-L still rates high compared to other crossovers because of its expansive and well-designed interior. Subaru has carefully engineered the new Forester to be bigger than the outgoing model, and the end re-
sult is an abundance of space that simply shames the competition. Upfront, it feels like you’re riding a much larger crossover but with sportier, supportive seats. Those in the back will revel in even more space thanks to clever packaging techniques resulting in an additional 760 mm of rear knee room. This level of comfort is made even better with the adjustable seatbacks and headrests. Though the Forester remains a strict five-seater (there’s actually a three-point seatbelt for every passenger), it can actually squeeze in an additional adult thanks to all that room.
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EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 92 •TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013
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14 SPORTS
VOL. 6 ISSUE 92 • TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013
EDGEDAVAO
Nonato, Miranda top Off-Road Duathlon B
EMCOR GOLF BENEFICIARY. Emcor President Celso Villegas (right) and Boy Arriba ((left) turn over the replica check worth P198,000 to Fr. Nestor “Bebot” Gaspe of the Redemptorist Pastoral Center during the awarding ceremonies
of the recent Emcor Golf Tournament at the Apo Golf and Country Club. Boy Lim
IKE specialist Dexter Nonato of Davao City and long distance ace Judelyn Miranda of Tagum City ruled the 41.9 kilometer Mulatto Off Road Duathlon held Sunday at the Ma-a Shell gas station in Diversion Highway. The 28-year old Nonato used his expertise in mountain biking to win the Men’s Open category with a time of two hours and 17 minutes. Nonato, a former skipper of the Inday Sara Cycling team, was part of the three-man lead pack composed also fellow biker April Jhon Maniyog and Mark Anthony Rance during the first run – a 6.6 kilometer uphill and downhill course. Nonato, however, broke away from them in the grueling and challenging 32 km. bike race which had both an uphill and dangerous downhill route. “Grabe ka delikado talaga yun downhill,” said Nonato, who was the only one to still ride on his bike while going down for five laps. Nonato made a free wheel stroke and only use his two feet to balance him to survive the downhill that earned him the comfortable big lead. “Na tumba pa rin ako sa bike pero okay lang hindi ako nasaktan,” said Nonato, who pocketed P5,000 plus a medal and a brand new Mulatto cycling shorts. Maniyog, 21, clocked 2:22 to settle for first runner-up and P3,000 while another fellow biker Marcial Catanggi of Dapoba finished 2:26 for second runner-up and P2,000. The winners received medals and giveaways
from race director Jershon Royana, race marshal Jean Tuvilla and organizer Daisy Jane Cimafranca. The 28-year old Miranda, on the other hand, used her running prowess to win the distaff side convincingly at 2:24. The 5-foot-1 criminology graduate of University of Mindanao Tagum even outraced some male entries as she finished overall third place. Miranda, a former triple gold medalist and record-holder in the 800m, 1,500m and 3,000m in the 2006 National PRISAA Games, was followed by Davao runner Vivian Avergonzado, 29, at 2:34. Second runner-up was 40-year old Salome Zamora of Inday Sara Cycling team at 2:35. “This is our preparation for our team to the Eco Karera Adventure Race in Gen. San on August 2,” said Miranda, who will be teaming up with Nonato and Catanggi. Cris Camacho and Melissa Cavite were awarded as the Fat King and Queen, respectively, while Cris Camacho Jr. won the 19 year old and below category. The other winners in the age-category: 20-29 yrs. Old – 1. Erick Danilo 2. Mark Anthony Rance 3. Marjun Balaite 4. Harvey Bryan Malnegro of Jail Officers on Bike 5. Myson Tagbe 6. Jessa Bolanio 7. Baning Bantilan 8. Ruffa Sarungon 30-39 yrs. Old – 1. Christopher Eyao 2. Dawa Dioneses 3. Adam Lee 4. Barry Rodriguez 5. Dodong Virtulo; 40-49 yrs. Old – 1. Zaldy Dielago 2. Nonoy Galagar.
City Sports office moved to City Hall T
HE Davao City Sports Development Office has been relocated to its old space at the City Hall building. Newly-appointed city sports chief William “Butch” Ramirez, however, said that “it is just a temporary office” since he is requesting for a bigger office. Ramirez is reportedly requesting the old building beside the Almendras Gym of the Davao City Recreation Center located along Quimpo Boulevard, which was used to be
the headquarters of the Amateur Boxing Association of the Phils. (Abap) Davao Chapter. “If plans push through, we might transfer there in September because it needs some renovation,” said the former Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman. The city sports office then under OIC Pocholo Elegino was located at the second floor of the building inside the Magsaysay Park. The ground floor is still being occupied by the Anti-Rabbies section of the city.
INdulge!
VOL. 6 ISSUE 92 • TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013
EDGEDAVAO
TRAVEL
Sure, Surigao del Sur By Potpot Pinili
IN 2008, Surigao del Sur somehow lost its luster when the largest paper milling company in Asia known as PICOP finally shut down its operation. But they quickly bounced back by promoting its wonderful natural resources proving the Surigaonon’s resilience to adversity. Today, the province draws in tourists more than ever and continuously improving its tourism services to provide a fantastic travel experience.
While there are many sights to visit in this eastern coast of Northeastern Mindanao, The Enchanted River in Hinatuan and Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig City are by far the most crowd-drawing attractions.
Tinuy-an Falls There are no better words to describe Tinuyan Falls but impressively grand! Its breadth spans 95 meters wide and plunges at 55 meters high. It is acclaimed as the widest waterfalls in the Philippines and referred to as the Little Niagara. Tinuy-an Falls is in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur. It is a wonderful 3-tiered waterfall that cascades from the forest of Borboanan. The top-most level
Sibadan Fish Cage.
Freshly harvested crabs.
is a dramatic spring of water that powerfully breaks from the cracks of huge boulders. Its water is collected on a shallow basin and rapidly thrusts to the middle tier like a water curtain. Despite the very strong current, visitors dare to go under its rampaging water on a bamboo raft for a differently satisfying water massage. Its wide basin is everyone’s favorite for wading and cooling down under the hot sun. It gently flows out to the lowest tier of equally magnificent beauty before it rushes out to the river and onwards to Bislig Bay. Although Tinuy-an Falls is pushed further inland, the road that leads to it is well paved and safe for travelers. It does not need long and arduous
Surigao’s Enchanted River. trekking to experience its grandeur because vehicles may be parked right close to the falls. The Local Government Unit has made provisions for parking, refreshment and souvenir stores, cottages and picnic grounds for its visitors. Tinuy-an Falls is no doubt one of the amazing waterfalls in the Philippines and is by far the grandest tropical treat in the Province of Surigao del Sur. The Enchanted River Perhaps none could ever come close to the bewitching colors of the Enchanted River. From its variations of blue tint to emerald green until it fades out to the sea in mir-
Swimming in the Enchanted River’s clear waters.
Tinuy-an Falls. ror-like turquoise water, it is indeed a spectacular liquid canvass. Tucked in Barangay Cambatong, about 12 kilometers from the national highway, the Enchanted River was once an unknown getaway. It rose to fame only in the recent years when the roads that led to it have been paved and explorations became guided. More than the mystifying colors of the river, tourists are charmed by its folklore. Fishermen talk about its stories of unfathomable depth, of fairies bathing on the river and disappearing in a spin of fireflies. Songs and poems of magical apparitions are narrated and handed down from generation to generation. Whatever there is to this river, it is for sure an enchanting one.
As sure as any river, it always flows out to the sea and a whole new experience unfolds. In the middle of the vast water is Vanishing Island, a small sandbar perfect for a quick plunge. Sarzosa Punta, a small cave by the sea is a popular pitstop for its image of the Virgin Mary inside. Pushing farther is Pangasinan Island where tourists can explore its
A wooden causeway.
long white sand beach line facing the Portlamon Bay. A sumptuous feast of fresh catch of fish, crabs, lobster and pusit await the hungry beach bums in Sibadan Fish Cage. Here, either you snorkel for your lunch or just wait to be served like a king. Be it an exciting or bewitching travel experience, Surigao del Sur has always something sure to offer.
EDGEDAVAO
A2 INdulge! UP AND ABOUT
Globe Business bats for PHL cricket
IN A MOVE to bring cricket into the collective sporting consciousness in the Philippines, Globe Business recently announced it will do a major pitch to make the international game a local staple by teaming-up with the Philippine Cricket Association (PCA), the governing body for the sport in the country.
VOL. 6 ISSUE 92 • TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013
5 things you need to know to get revved up for Turbo
With this agreement, Globe Business will be the lead sponsor for the Philippine National Cricket Team and the International Sixers Tournament, with naming rights for the squad as well as company branding and exposure for all PCA-hosted collateral and events, among others. It also includes a lock-out for Globe of the Nomad Sports Club in Paranaque, the most active cricket ground in the country where organized tournaments have been staged since 1914. According to PCA president Andrew Gotia, the collaboration with Globe Business will be a big boost for the sport of cricket in the country. “Before, it was just a pure expat game; it was fortunate that quite a number of Globe clients are lovers of the sport, particularly the
Indian community. We are enthusiastic that there will be more exposure for the national team and the sport at large. But this is just the first step and with Globe as a major company with its sponsorship and support, we can go very far,” he declared. Captain of the Philippine National Cricket Team Faisal Khan concurred that the PCA is very happy to partner with Globe Business, saying that “this will further the cause of our organization as well as the sport. Since the country has progressed in the game more than its neighbors in the region, we hope that this collaboration will spur much interest in Philippine cricket.” “With Globe Business powering the PCA, we believe it will encourage young local players to be affiliated with the national team. Local exposure for the sport will be bigger, and more Filipinos will get to know what the game is all about,” Khan enthused. Globe Business Sales Head Francis Mendoza confirmed that “Globe has a huge clientele of companies with Indians working with them, and we recognize their passion for the game. Through this initiative, we hope to grow our relationship further.” The formal signing was a culmination of the 2nd Enterprise Sixers Tournament, where elite cricket teams from Globe Business clientele took part. The crew from Cognizant emerged as the Champion, while JP Morgan Chase & Co. was runner-up of the day-long tournament. Ruchin Chandra of Accenture was adjudged the Best Catch, Amit Sharma was awarded the Best Baller and Arun Gaikwad, Best Batsman. “So much interest has been generated by the tournament and the partnership, we will increase the number of teams from eight to 12 and extend the tournament to two playing dates next year,” said Mendoza. Likewise, Globe Business Head of Enterprise Sales Grace Castillo told that having started with the local outsourcing and offshoring sectors, the succeeding Sixers Tournament will reach out to include teams from other industries such as banking and manufacturing. “With the fast-growing number of Indian business leaders and expat community, Globe Business will definitely stage a bigger competition in 2014. We will also ensure that working closely with the PCA, the sport of cricket will flourish in the country.” The partnership also celebrates a century since the introduction of the sport in Philippine shores by British expatriates. Cricket is now declared a medal sport in the Asian Games and was an exhibition sport in the last South East Asian Games. It is also being considered for inclusion in the upcoming Olympics.
DAMN, this es-cargoes! Turbo (voiced by Ryan Reynolds) is an underdog snail whose dreams kick into overdrive when a freak accident gives him the power of super speed. “Slo no mo,” the motoring mollusk can blaze through the streets of Los Angeles at up to 200 mph. By happy chance, Turbo meets Tito (Michael Peña), a taco-stand owner who just happens to enjoy racing snails. (That’s better than adding them to taco fillings.) With the help of Tito and a ragtag crew of streetwise snails, Turbo sets out to achieve his ultimate goal—to compete in the Indy 500. Ready for high-octane action? Rev up with these Turbo deets: From Green Lantern to Garden Snail: There’s a surprising similarity between Green Lantern and DreamWorks’ Turbo. Not only does Ryan Reynolds play both titular roles, but the two characters are also imbued with extraordinary powers—superhuman and supersnail. In Lantern, an alien ring gives test pilot Hal Jordan the ability to fly (and a tight green bodysuit), while Turbo’s exposure to nitrous oxide bestows him with extreme speed, headlight eyes and other racecar qualities. Hopefully for Reynolds, Turbo will display more superstrength at the box office than weakling Green Lan-
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20th Century Fox/Dreamworks
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tern.
Two Tales of Two Bros: Turbo parallels the sibling struggles between its vertebrate and invertebrate characters. (Did you just have a Biology class flashback?) Chet (Paul Giamatti) is Turbo’s older brother and polar opposite. Overly cautious and practical, Chet discourages Turbo’s crazy dreams and insists he slog away at the Tomato Plant. Similarly, Tito’s older brother and fellow taco-preneur, Angelo (Luis Guzmán), wants Tito to stop racing snails and focus on their business, Dos Bros Tacos. He’s Fast. They’re Furious. And Very Familiar: Some well-known players fill out the supporting cast. Among the Racing Snails, Samuel L. Jackson does his blaring badass act as Whiplash, Maya Rudolph adds sass as Burn, and Snoop Lion brings— what else?—his “easy to the peasy” delivery to super-cool Smoove Move. Plus, Ken Jeong voices elderly salon lady Kim-Ly. Marking his fifth film in three months (after Pain &
3
Gain, The Hangover Part III, Rapture-Palooza, and Despicable Me 2), Jeong has officially registered on the overexposure meter. A Magnifique Guy: Unlike his costars, Bill Hader is completely unrecognizable as the voice of egomaniacal Guy Gagné, a French-Canadian racecar champ and Turbo’s idol. The former SNL funnyman (come back, Stefon!) has mastered a variety of impressions and accents, but he had never attempted a tricky French-Canadian accent. After doing research on YouTube, Hader impressed director David Soren at the initial reading—no mean feat, since
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20th Century Fox/Dreamworks Soren himself is Canadian. Capturing the Sights and Size: Turbo vividly depicts disparate sections of Los Angeles— from Turbo’s suburban home to the grittier ‘hoods of Van Nuys to the L.A. River and even the jampacked freeways. The 3D road rage is right in your face! For the third-act shift to the Indy 500 (the biggest single-day sporting event in the world), filmmakers used cuttingedge techniques to create huge crowd scenes—some 300,000 people. According to director Soren, Turbo has more crowds than any animated film in history. We have a winner! E!News
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20th Century Fox/Dreamworks
VOL. 6 ISSUE 92 • TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013
EDGEDAVAO
INdulge! A3
ENTERTAINMENT
Superman and Batman will face off on the big screen for ‘Man of Steel’ sequel ARE YOU ready for this?!
Two of the biggest superheroes known to man will be going head-tohead on the big screen at a theater near you. Warner Brothers announced Saturday at Comic-Con that the studio would be bringing Superman and Batma together for the first time in the sequel to Man of Steel. Man of Steel director Zack Snyder thanked everyone for supporting Man of Steel while onstage and then casually announced, “It’s official: We’re making another Superman movie.” Snyder insisted that he couldn’t say anything about the film, but explained that he had “pored through the DC Universe to look for a way to tell this thing,” and then said there was one thing he could share.
JULY 19, 2013
NOW 11:40 2:00 4:20 6:40 9:00
11:20 1:45 4:10 6:35 9:00
12:00 2:15 4:30 6:45 9:00
DESPICABLE ME 2
TUHOG
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Actor Harry Lennix then took the stage and gave a dramatic reading of a famous line from The Dark Knight Returns. “I want you to remember, Clark. In all the years to come. In all your most private moments. I want you to remember my hand at your throat. I want you to remember the one man who beat you.” “I’m so excited to begin working again with Henry Cavill in the world we created, and I can’t wait to expand the DC Universe in this next chapter,” Snyder
Getty Images; Warner Bros. Pictures said in a statement. “Let’s face it, it’s beyond mythological to have Superman and our new Batman facing off, since they are the greatest Superheroes in the world.” Amy Adams, Laurence Fishburne and Diane Lane will also return for the Superman/Batman movie, however it’s not known who will play Batman since Christian Bale has said he’s done playing the Caped Crusader. The film is slated for a summer 2015 release. E!News
SHOWING
ODD THOMAS (R13)
(R13)
12:00 2:15 4:30 6:45 9:00
12:15 3:10 6:05 9:00
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TURBO (GP)
12:45 3:30 6:15 9:00
PACIFIC RIM
THE LONE RANGER
PACIFIC RIM 3D (PG13)
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(PG-13)
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Avengers sequel gets a name at Comic-Con:
Avengers: Age of Ultron
BRACE YOURSELVES, Avengers fans! Joss Whedon, the writer and director behind Avengers surprised fans at Comic-Con on Saturday in San Diego by revealing the superhero action sequel’s title: Avengers: Age of Ultron. The second installment of the superhero franchise is set to star Robert Downey Jr., Mark Ruffalo, Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Anthony Mackie, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Samuel L. Jackson. Whedon announced the title by showing a trailer featuring audio clips from the first film along with a piece of metal that formed on the screen to then reveal the head of the robotic villain Ultron, a creation of Ant-Man. The clip closed with the reveal of the title The Avengers: Age of Ultron. Fans also learned the flick will hit theaters on May 1, 2015. E!News
TUHOG 2D Eugene Domingo, Leo Martinez R 13
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TURBO 2D Ryan Reynolds, Paul Giamati GP
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LONE RANGER 2D Johnny Depp PG 13
1:00 | 4:00 | 7:00 | 10:00 LFS
R-16 PACIFIC RIM 2D Charlie Hunnam, Idris Elba PG 13
Ultron
Marvel
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EDGEDAVAO
A4 INdulge! FOOD
VOL. 6 ISSUE 92 • TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013
A dimsum detour to Cafe Asia Dimsum House I
had been craving for authentic Chinese food for the longest time and I had actually prepared my year to have two Taipei visits as well as a Hong Kong trip earlier this year which unfortunately fell through no thanks to some illegal fishermen and some trigger-happy coast guard patrol boat.
The dim sum places one finds in Durianburg can suffice, but dare I say, the places that serve good dim sum are few and after repeat visits, can taste boring with the same tasting dumplings, buns, noodles and soups. It was supposed to be another busy Friday for me when I got an invite to try out the newly opened dimsum house called Cafe Asia located at the Metrolifestyle complex on the corner of Torres and Jacinto Streets. Figuring that it was on the way in between assignments, I decided to make a detour to the new joint. Upon arrival, I was greeted by the bright yellow orange walls of the exterior of the restaurant, the interiors were bright and inviting. Gone are the ghastly looking monoblock chairs and fold-away tables that would normally be seen in an old-style dimsum place and instead, there are comfy wooden chairs and tables. Cafe Aisa’s menu consists of dim sum favourites like shao mai, steamed buns, and spring rolls; rice pot toppings as well as soups. They also have a list of Chinese a la carte menu items that one would normally see in a more upscale Chinese restaurant like Fried Shrimp Roll, Seafood Spinach Soup, Salt and Pepper Spareribs,
The bright and cheerful exterior of Cafe Asia.
Serving the Pork Spareribs with special sauce.
Buchi anyone? Chinese Style Beef Steak, and even Steamed Whole Lapu-lapu. I especially loved the Fried Shrimp Rolls which remind me of Singaporean Shrimp Toast and the Steamed Chicken with Ham and Black Mushrooms really reminded me of the restaurants of Binondo. As for the dim sum, I would suggest skipping
Cafe Asia’s cozy interiors.
Seafood Spinach Soup, Quail Egg Shao Mai, and Fried Shrimp Rolls. the Shrimp Dumplings and going straight to their Quail Egg Shao Mai and Shao Mai which are meatier and full of flavour. Also, don’t look for Shao Long Baos here either, but if you are looking for a quick bite with some decent Chinese food at a decent price, then a detour to Cafe Asia Dimsum House may be the nofuss, affordable key to your
Chinese food craving. As for me though, I guess I will just have to wait for my next trip to Hong Kong later this year to search for the dish that will quench my dim sum cravings. Follow me on Twitter or on Instagram @kennethkingong for more foodie finds, travel tips and happenings in, around, and beyond Durianburg.
Steamed Chicken with Ham and Black Mushrooms.
EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 92 •TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013
SPORTS 15
PHIL THIS MOMENT VICTORY FOR THE LEFTY. Phil Mickelson celebrates after holing out.
Two best shots gave Mickelson the claret jug
G
ULLANE, Scotland (AP) -- One of the greatest final rounds in a major. Two of the best shots he ever struck with a 3-wood. The third leg of the Grand Slam. Phil Mickelson never imagined any of this happening at the British Open. No wonder he never took his hand off the base of that silver claret jug as he talked about the best Sunday he ever had at a major. Five shots out of the lead, Mickelson blew past Tiger Woods, caught up to Lee Westwood and Masters champion Adam Scott, and won golf’s oldest championship with the lowest final round in his 80 majors. With four birdies over the last six holes, Mickelson closed with a 5-under 66 for a three-shot win over Henrik Stenson. No longer is he mystified by links golf, and he has his name etched in that jug to prove it. ‘’This is such an accomplishment for me because I just never knew if I’d be able to develop the game to play links golf effectively,’’ Mickelson said. ‘’To play the best round arguably of my career, to putt better than I’ve ever putted, to shoot the round of my life ... it feels amazing to win the claret jug.’’ Introduced as the ‘’champion golfer of the year,’’ he held the oldest
trophy in golf over his head to show it off to one side of the massive grandstand lining the 18th green at Muirfield, and then the other. An hour earlier, they gave the 43-year-old Mickelson the loudest ovation of the week as he walked up the final fairway. He drained an 8-foot birdie putt and thrust his arms in the air, hugged caddie Jim ‘’Bones’’ Mackay and whispered to him, ‘’I did it.’’ After signing for the lowest final round ever at Muirfield, Mickelson huddled with his wife and three children - back from a quick holiday to Spain - for a long embrace and waited for the others to finish. Westwood, who started the day with a two-shot lead, fell behind for the first time all day with a bogey on the par-3 13th hole and never recovered, closing with a 75. Scott took the outright lead with a 4-foot birdie on the 11th, and then closed as sloppily as he did last year when he threw away the Open at Royal Lytham & St. Annes. He made four straight bogeys starting at the 13th, and a final bogey on the 18th gave him a 72. At least he has a green jacket from the Master to console him. Woods, in his best position to win a major since the crisis in his personal life, stumbled badly on his way to a 74 and was never a serious challenger.
TWILIGHT TIGER Tiger walks off with another fruitless Open G
ULLANE, Scotland – They gave Tiger Woods a standing ovation as he walked down the 18th fairway Sunday, because that’s what the golf fans do here. They honor their legends. Even the fading ones. Woods’ final walk at Muirfield was just a walk. Not a coronation, not a victory lap. He lifted his cap to acknowledge the applause, but nothing was at stake. The British Open was over – Phil Mickelson was already in the clubhouse with an insurmountable lead after a brilliant closing 66. On the holes leading toward the finish, the gallery following Woods and Adam Scott had steadily dwindled, taking the noise and enthusiasm with them. Most fans had followed the roars up ahead, flocking to Mickelson. Woods plodded forward under the leaden sky with his hands shoved in his pockets, cold wind whipping his black trousers, with the remaining fans watching him seeming almost melancholy.
TIGER WOODS. Twilight zone?
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VOL. 6 ISSUE 92 • TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2013
EDGEDAVAO Sports
Oro East bags 3 in Phoenix 36+ hoops O
RO East went to its old reliable throughout the match to salvage third place in the Phoenix Above 36 basketball tournament against a fighting Vice Mayor’s Office squad 104-96 on Sunday night at the Davao City Recre-
rd
ation Center. Lito Antipuesto, Loloy Sumampong and Weng Farochillen conspired for 69 points to lead the Miners over VMO who could not get a spark from the usual hot hands of scoring king Bong Go. The spitfirish Go was limited to
EDGEDavao Davao Partners
“just” 24 points in the ballgame as the defense clamped down on the league’s most prolific scoring machine. Antipuesto fired a game-high 28 points while Sumampong added 23 and Farochillen 20 forming a three-headed mon-
ster on both ends of the floor. Archie Gamboa paced VMO with 25 getting the feeds where Go was tracked all night long with the sticky defense of the Miners who are led by playing manager Alden Delvo. Delvo did not play
but he told his boys to finish off the series. Moonbeem and Goldstar Hardware will dispute the championship in this tournament sponsored by Phoenix Petroleum for players aged 36 and above. Oro East 104-- An-
tipuesto 28 Sumampong 23 Farochilen 20 Dizon 15 Josol 11 Barriga 5 Macabingquil 2 Santander 0 Dabon 0 VMO 96-- Gamboa 25 Go 24 Alfeche 13 Mondigo13 Mosqueda 8 Pastor 6 Duremdez 4 Josol 2 Mamalinta 1
BLAST. Team Piinoy’s Ninot Galicia blasts outs of the bunker during the Chairman’s Cup at the Apo Golf and Country Club over the weekend. Boy Lim