Edge Davao 7 Issue 100

VOL. 7 ISSUE 100 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 3-4, 2014

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

THE INEVITABLE

WATER CRISIS

2 COVER STORY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 100 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 3-4, 2014

WATER CRISIS LOOMS Text and Photos By ArmAndo A. morTejo “Whiskey’s for drinkin’,” Mark Twain once wrote. “But water is for fightin’ over.” And “water is the driving force of all nature,” Leonardo da Vinci reminded

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fter power crisis, is there a looming water crisis in Davao City soon?

A couple of years back, a study conducted by the Japan International Cooperation Agency listed the city as one of the nine major cities in the country which are considered “water-critical areas.” the other eight cities were Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, Baguio, Angeles, Bacolod, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro, and Zamboanga.

Now, the inconvenient truth about water is out; Davao City is experiencing water crisis.

“We have a water crisis in the city not only in the second district but also in the first district,” said Second District City Councilor Danilo C. Dayanghirang, who is the chairperson of the Council Committee on environment and Natural resources.

Although he didn’t present data on the city’s water supply and demand, he cited some indications that confirm his claim. for one, records from the City Health Office showed the increasing cases of gastrointestinal diseases as one of the city’s top health problems.

Another reason: the increasing number of housing developments.

“When we approve housing subdivisions, the City Council requires a certification from DCWD (Davao City Water District) that they can provide the water supply in the subdivision,” he pointed out.

But the problem lies with DCWD, which issues the required certification. this paves the way for the approval of the subdivision project which turns out to be detrimental to the needs of the homeowners later on, Dayanghirang said.

In some parts of the city, water interruption is now a common thing.

One time, a managing editor of a local daily posted in his facebook: “I was late for my work today.

I didn’t take a bath until 8 am since there was no water.”

In other parts of Davao region, some towns are also experiencing water shortage. In Bansalan,

Davao del Sur, some residents don’t have water for several months now. In areas where there is water, they have to wake up early in the morning or late sleep at night just so they can have water. the bad thing about having water in containers -- and without coverings -- is that the containers may serve as hideout of dengue-carrying mosquitoes. In fact, some children have been hospitalized due to the water-borne disease.

Without water, life itself would cease to exist.

As Albert Szent-Gyorygi, Hungarian biochemist and Nobel Prize for medicine, puts it: “Water is life’s matter and matrix, mother and medium. there is no life without water.”

All doctors and health professionals know that.

Water, next to air, is the element most necessary for survival. Water makes up more than 60 percent of our body weight. Proteins make up only 18 percent while fats encompass 15 percent, minerals 4 percent, carbohydrates 2 percent and vitamins less than one percent.

Although more than 70% of the world’s surface is covered with water, less than 3% of the total volume of water is fresh. Moreover, almost -four-fifths is essentially available because it is glacial ice.

Since 1950, global water use has more than tripled with per capita use increasing by almost 50%, according to news reports. this has resulted in acute competition among the various users of water.

In the Philippines, a severe water crisis could bring the economy to its knees and lead to serious health problems, economic and development experts claim. “the country’s water resources are rapidly being used up. If left unchecked, this may result in a nationwide water crisis,” warned Dr. rafael D. Guerrero, who used to head the Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine research and Development.

While water supply still outpaces demand, the Department of environment and Natural Resources (DENR) first Philippine environment Quality report gave this glooming situation: “Water quality has been deteriorating at a considerable rate with the onset of

the ‘90s, indicating grave problems ahead.”

Actually, there are several factors that contribute to water shortage. these include variability in climate, demographic patterns, and unsustainable water-use patterns. In some urban centers of the country where water is available, 50 percent never reaches the designated consumers due to leakage, theft and poor management.

These identified problems are compounded by the degradation of water resource base.

Now, going back to Davao City. It is the third-largest urban area in the country and the economic center of southern Philippines. It has a population of 1.52 million, which is expected to grow to 2.5 million by 2030. fortunately, the city is blessed with abundant fresh drinking water, both

ground and surface. According to its website, “Mount Apo serves as the recharge point and the areas at the foot of the mountain contain these large reservoirs, the biggest of which is the Calinan, toril and talomo triangle.”

As everyone now knows, the city’s tap water is considered to be the “best water in the world.”

Its water is tested internationally to be the best quality of clean and safe water in the world. Actually, it is said to be “absolutely perfect.”

But for how long this water would be available, no one knows. Jeffrey tupas, in an article some years back, wrote this information: “right now, over 99 percent of the water consumed by the city comes from groundwater extracted from the talomo-Lipadas Watershed.

With a daily extraction

of 212,000 cubic meters from 50 production wells, sustainability is in danger.”

In 2007, Davao today came up with a news report that water crisis in Davao is possible, as a result of the denudation of watershed areas. that was the observation of the environmental group Interface Development Interventions (Idis).

Lia Jasmin esquillo, who was described in the report as Idis executive director, was quoted as saying: “Over the years, we have warned about the wanton destruction of Davao’s upland watersheds and their surrounding environment by banana and pineapple plantations. We have already sounded the alarm that converting these areas to these plantations spells disaster which we might come sooner than later.”

Both banana and pineapple plantations had been cited as possible culprits.

“Most of these plantations are on top of recharge zones, which are areas of land through which water passes through holes or cracks in soil and rock to fill an aquifer. Deep-rooted trees should be planted in recharge zones so that the rainwater can refill the aquifers,” the article, quoting esquillo, said.

Dr. Sandra Postel, director of the Massachusetts-based Global Water Policy Project, believes water problems will trail climate change as a threat to the human future. “Although the two are related, water has no substitutes,” she explains. “We can transition away from coal and oil to solar, wind and other renewable energy sources. But there is no transitioning away from water to something else.”

VOL. 7 ISSUE 100 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 3-4, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

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EDGEDAVAO

THE BIG NEWS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 100 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 3-4, 2014

B.I. crackdown on foreign workers on

No working permits only tourist visas

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CLEAN UP. After a series of fires that hit different parts of Davao City, it’s time for personnel of the Bureau of Fire Protection along Ponciano Reyes Street to give their firetrucks a well-deserved cleanup yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

He Bureau of Immigration in the Davao region has launched a crackdown on illegal foreign nationals working in establishments without permits.

Alien control officer eddie P. Delima, head of the BI 11, said many foreigners working here were found only with tourist visas not working permits. this developed as bureau officials advised the management of San Miguel Global Power currently constructing a coal fired-power plant in Malita, Davao Occidental to require their contractors and subcontractors to get a working visa for their foreign engineers and

technicians.

“We would like to remind them na lahat sila kunan nila ng work permit,” Delima told edge Davao in an interview last friday.

Delima said that initial monitoring of the bureau’s agents found that there are foreigners working in the ongoing construction of the power plant in Davao Occidental as engineering, consultants and technicians.

“I don’t have an idea kung ilan. Pero, alam namin na may nagtatrabaho diyan na hindi covered, wala silang work permit,” Delima said.

Delima said most of the foreign workers in the

Hospital wastes report 8 Davao LGUs not actionable yet: CLO now using AWS

FB.I., 10

By ArmAndo B. FeneQUITo jr.

t

abf@edgedavao.net

He Davao City Legal Office (CLO) is still waiting for a complete investigation report of City Health Office (CHO) before making legal action against the person who dumped hospital wastes in the beach front of Barangay talomo.

Lawyer enrique Junior A. Bonocan, CLO spokesman, told edge Davao that although the CHO already submitted an initial investigation report, the CLO still wants a more comprehensive report from the city health office.

“Mostly narration lang... kung unsay situation didto. then, siyempre kung mag file kag kaso di pa man siya enough,”

Bonocan said referring to the CHO initial report.

“We are still waiting for additional papers... mga official findings nila maybe interviews with the residents og uban pa na mga papeles na nagpamatuod na duna gyuy nahitabo nga ingon ana didton dapita,” he stressed.

He said the CLO is closely coordinating with CHO and the case is already assigned to a lawyer from their office.

Bonocan said that as of the moment, he cannot divulge the identity of the person behind the dumping of medical waste in the beach of talomo since the CLO still treats the case as confidential.

IGaCoS readies P444-M budget I

t IS budget call time again for local government units and for fiscal year 2015 the Island Garden City of Samal is considering P443.79 million as its budget.

IGaCoS budget officer Jemelita Camasong said that the city’s general appropriations for next year will come from the expected P375-million Internal revenue Allotment and P67.79 million from local income.

During the budget call forum with city department heads last Wednesday, Camasong explained that city’s budget would have to be aligned with the national government

thrusts and city government’s priorities. the budget should comply with existing directives and circulars of the Department of Budget and Management.

In considering the budget, IGaCoS will be mindful of the Aquino administration’s five key result areas that underpin its development agenda. they are anti-corruption, transparent, accountable and participatory governance, poverty reduction and empowerment of the poor and vulnerable, rapid, inclusive and sustained economic growth, just and lasting peace and

FIGACOS, 10

“this is because we are still conducting an investigation,” he said.

He said although a doctor was implicated as the one who allegedly dumped the wastes but its better to reveal the name of the person after they will file the charges.

“We cannot confirm or deny it. Basta sa pagka karon naga conduct pa ta og investigation,” he said. earlier of Philippine News Agency said that Mayor rodrigo r. Duterte asked for an investigation and file the appropriate charges against persons responsible for the dumping of medical wastes in the two beach

resorts in Barangay talomo.

Duterte said in his weekly program “Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa” that the act experimenting the environment is reckless and thoughtless reacting to the statement of an unamed doctor. the unnamed doctor reportedly interviewed in a local television news said it was part of an experiment if the materials could help mitigate impact calamity event in the area.

Sacks of medical wastes were found near his residence after an anonymous person reported the matter to barangay officials.

FHOSPITAL, 10

RENEWABLE ENERGY. Albert Lozada (right), Save Davao Gulf convenor, together with Dennis Sagrado, gives the details during this week’s edition of FAST Fridays at Archipelago 7107 of Barrio Fiesta at SM Lanang Premier

By Cheneen r. CAPon

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crc@edgedavao.net

Manila - based weather services organization urged local government units (LGUs) in the Davao region to utilize the automated weather station (AWS) in disaster preparedness and risk reduction efforts.

Kaye I. rosario, sustainability officer of Weather Philippines, Inc. said that that the AWS has the capability to forecast weather condition five days ahead and provide localized weather information.

“Aside from five-day ahead forecast, the station has the capability to

update the weather information based on the it collected every three hours,” rosario said in an interview at Hotel Vicente friday noon.

Wearher Philippines handed over 16 AWS to as many LGUs in Mindanao, eight of them in region 11. the recipients were LGUs of Baganga, Caraga, Cateel, Governor Generoso, taragona in Davao Oriental, Jose Abad Santos in Davao Occidental, New Bataan and Compostela in Compostela Valley, Jose Dalman, Sindangan, Liloy, Siocon and Sibuco

F8 DAVAO, 10

of the organization’s upcoming activities which aim to gain support for the use of renewable energy and eventually end the energy crisis in Mindanao.

Lean Daval Jr.

NEWS 5

VOL. 7 ISSUE 100 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 3-4, 2014

Brgy. officials to visit NorCot oil palm farms By mAnny PInol Contributor

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group of barangay officials from Davao City, most of them coming from the troubled Paquibato District, will visit the oil palm farms of North Cotabato on Saturday as part of their exposure trip before they embrace the Oil Palm program of City Mayor rodrigo Duterte. the group, led by City Agriculturist rocelio tabay, will first go to the North Cotabato Oil Palm Corp. nursery in Barangay San Vicente, Makilala to understand how the seedlings are prepared before they are distributed to the farmers. the group will then proceed to the Agumill Oil Processing Plant in Buluan, Maguindanao to witness the actual processing of fresh fruit bunches harvested by the farmers.

After the oil mill visit,

they will go the oil palm farms in the Muslim barangay of Gaunan in M’lang to see the actual harvesting of the fresh fruit bunches.

Col. Pat Pinol, president of the NCPOC, will host a breakfast to the visiting barangay officials while M’lang Mayor Lito Pinol will shoulder lunch.

After the M’lang visit, the barangay officials will proceed to the Braveheart farms in Paco, Kidapawan City to inspect the breeding facilities of Manok Pinoy which Mayor Duterte is considering as a livelihood project for families who will be involved in the oil palm project.

Next month, the group will visit Sabah, Malaysia to take a look at the oil palm and rubber villages in one of the most progressive agriculture countries in Southeast Asia.

Barangay officials of Paquibato District listen intently during a lecture on oil palm in Paquibato. In the background are Mayor Duterte, city agriculturist

Rocelio “Celoy” Tabay, retired Human Rights Director Alberto Sipaco and Malaysian Oil Palm consultant Siew King Han. Photos by Kiwi Bulaclac

owners of the more than 1,000-hectare once controverted property are located in his barangay.

It is only after owners of houses and other structures have paid fully the

todate, the barangay only collects almost P3 million from real property taxes, Kapitan Jimmy said.

He said that the barangay-funded drainage

Buhangin brgy captain hopeful on titles t

He more land titles issued to beneficiaries of the National Housing Authorities (NHA) the bigger the income of barangay Buhangin from real property

taxes. this was bared by Buhangin barangay captain James C. Salvador said that the biggest portion of the total land bought by the NHA from the original

land owned by the NHA when they could commence paying real property taxes (rPt), he said. the barangay government gets a shares from real property taxes.

and concreting projects in San francisco road is on curing stage at this writing. After this, he said, the other side of the road would be concreted. Cha Monforte, Correspondent

6 THE ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 100 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 3-4, 2014

NEDA targets 7% GRDP grow this 2014

By VAnnAh S. Ang

t

vsa@edgedavao.net

He National economic and Development Authority (NeDA) region XI has set the target for the region’s Gross regional Domestic Product (GrDP) growth rate at a 7 percent increase by the end of the year. region XI’s GrDP growth rate actually slowed down from 7.4 percent in 2012 to 6.8 percent in 2013 due to a slower growth rate post-

ed by the Services and Agriculture, Hunting, forestry and fishing sectors.

According to Maria Lourdes D. Lim, regional Director of NeDA XI, their over-all goal is to achieve sustained high and inclusive growth by 2016. “this shall be attained by increasing the competitiveness of our industries to cope with the rapidly liberalizing global economy and especially the impending ASeAN

economic Integration,” she said.

Lim believes there is a need to build and nurture a healthy and skilled human capital, ensure more productive and competitive agriculture and fishery sectors, improve the resilience of communities, and increase levels of family income.

“And all these under a regime of reformed governance in all sectors at all levels,” Lim said.

NeDA XI plans to achieve a stable security environment and natural resource base, a science, technology, and innovation driven economy and improved quality, adequacy, and accessibility of infrastructure facilities and services.

NeDA XI is now halfway through the implementation of the Davao regional Development plan which was initiated in 2011 and is expected

to finish by 2016.

“We have recently updated our development strategies and targets to consider the emerging needs of our people and the advances and challenges from within our domestic confines and in the rest of the world,” Lim said. for the rest of 2014, the implementation of the Updated Priority Industry Cluster roadmaps, completion and full

operation of power generation to augment the region’s power supply, operations of ICt business process outsourcing companies, massive tourism infrastructure, real estate and property development, public-private partnerships for big ticket infrastructure projects, and innovation, technology, and research development, are expected to sustain the region’s growth.

Pablo in major cavendish banana-producing provinces like Compostela Valley in Davao region, banana farmers started to harvest and export again. the fast recovery of the banana industry, according to Lim, contributed in the increase of banana exportation in the global market.

Department of Agriculture (DA) 11 regional director remelyn r. recoter said that of the total 13, 884 hectares planted to cavendish banana damaged by Pablo, 61 percent (8, 472 has) are managed by small banana growers.

“A total of 77 percent (or 6, 570 has) of the 8, 472 has were already rehabilitated but was still

damaged because of flooding brought by typhoon Agaton,” recoter added.

Despite the damage, the banana industry was able to recover and expand its global market.

Lim said that the export market for Davao banana expanded from 2012 to last year.

“We are responding to new markets aside from the traditional market like Japan and Korea,” Lim said.

“We have opened up for China as our buyer of Davao banana and also some european countries,” the NeDA 11 director said.

Lim also said that other new markets are turkey and Iran.

Philippine Statistics Authority-regional Statistical Coordination Unit (PSA-rSCU) 11 officer-in-charge rosendo M. Aya-ay said that the market for bananas is not limited anymore to the fruit itself. He said that clients looked at other banana by-products like banana fiber for dress making. the other nine top exported products include coconut (copra) and palm kernel; dates and figs (dried or fresh); coconut, brazil nuts and other nuts; crustaceans; activated carbon; natural rubber; fruits and nuts; oil cake and other solid residue; and vegetable, fruits, nuts. CrC.

2013, and PAD from 6.6 percent in 2012 to 5.1 percent in 2013. financial Intermediation recorded faster growth from 12.1 percent in 2012 to 13.5 percent in 2013, while rerBA accelerated from 8.5 percent in 2012 to 10.3 percent in 2013. Other Services also increased from 6.1 percent in 2012 to 6.8 percent in 2013.

Industry sector expands on accelerated growth the Industry sector registered a faster growth from 9.5 percent in 2012 to 16.2 percent in 2013.

Manufacturing, the second largest subsector in the region, continued to grow as it accelerated from 14.0 percent in 2012 to 14.8 percent in 2013.

Construction also accelerated from 15.7 percent in 2012 to 18.9 percent in 2013, while eGWS surged from 6.5 percent in 2012 to 16.4 percent in 2013.

Mining and Quarrying

rebounded from negative 59.8 percent in 2012 to a growth of 17.9 percent in 2013.

Agriculture and forestry declines AHff suffered a reversal from a 0.4 percent growth in 2012 to negative 8.0 percent in 2013. fishing, on the other hand, decelerated from 6.5 percent in 2012 to 2.7 percent in 2013. the Industry sector contributed the most to the region’s growth in 2013 with 4.7 percentage points, while Services added 3.5 percentage points. AHff pulled down the growth by 1.4 percentage points.

Contact Person: rosendo M. Aya-ay tel.

No. (082) 227-6213 email: rm.ayaay@nscb. gov.ph; nscbxi@yahoo. com Philippine Statistics Authority Page 2/2 Pr201407-r11-03 the GrDP measures

the goods and services produced in each of the geo-political regions of the country. It provides for an analysis of the regional distribution of the country’s GDP, the industries and factors that contribute to the regional economies, and the pace at which these economies are moving on an annual basis. the GrDP is compiled on an annual basis by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

Copies of the 20112013 GrDP are available for sale at the National Statistical Information Center (NSIC) XI located at the PSA – rSCU11 Office, second floor Amparo Bldg, J.P. Laurel Ave., Bajada, Davao City. for subscription and inquiries, please contact the NSIC XI at telephone number 227-6213 or e-mail rm.ayaay@nscb.gov.ph.

LISA GrACe S. BerSALeS National Statistician

Banana plantation in Banana tops Davao export products massacre site opens B M

By Cheneen r. CAPon crc@edgedavao.net

ASSACre SIte, Ampatuan, Maguindanao (MindaNews/01 August) – Dozens of heavy machineries started land preparation for a 1500-hectare banana plantation in this site Wednesday. the plantation site, where 58 people were killed in what has been considered the bloodiest election related violence in the country, will be planted to organic Cavendish banana.

Maguindanao Governor esmael Mangudadatu led the ritual that signaled the start of operations by leading the prayer “Sumbali” followed by the culling of a young sheep whose blood was poured into a hole planted with a banana seedling.

He said all he wanted is change the image of this part of the province which was tainted by the massacre that killed his wife, relatives, friends and media workers. the massacre was blamed on some members of the Ampatuan clan.

“At first it was so hard and almost impossible to be realized but with the help of the locals, the aspiration before is now a reality. this is what we really wanted to happen”, Mangudadatu said. the farm complex will be run by Al- Mujahidun Agro-resources and Development Inc. (AMArDI), a local firm which is financed and partnered with multinational foreign investors Univex and Delinanas. the aim is for “exports of organic and halal banana products in the coming days “, according to AMArDI technocrat-executive Shiek Abdulwahid Sumauang.

“We are overwhelmed with the realization of this project that benefits the land owners and local residents here. this is

what we want to see in our land, new developments and not the bad stories about the carnage,” said Bai Salja Biruar, chair of Barangay Salman.

Biruar owns 20 hectares of land covered by the lease and she said this means 20 of her relatives can be hired as workers.

“As much as possible we will leave no blank space and use every square inch productive. every individual now feels there is a spring of hope coming with the livelihood offers, said Noria Dalamba, a resident.

Ampatuan Mayor rasul Sangki said the plantation can generate at least 2,250 jobs. the banana complex will also host a recreation center, an Islamic school, a hospital and Halal food processing plant.

Brig. Gen. edmundo Pangilinan of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, Costa rican entrepreneur Gonzalo Ordeñana and Agriculture Secretary Makmod Mending, Jr. of the Autonomous region in Muslim Mindanao attended the launching on Wednesday.

Mending thanked the leaders of Maguindanao for bringing in foreign investors to help fund the project which added to the P2.5-billion investment garnered by the region this year.

“If not for you, there will be no project for the people that creates an avenue for hope”, he said.

Pangilinan said he is happy to note that the leadership of the Moro Islamic Liberation front has been helping in efforts to realize the project. “this is a good indicator that we are bringing in investors here because of relative peace and order and people’s interest in development”, he said. (ferdinandh B. Cabrera/ MindaNews)

ANANA and its various processed products continue to be the top export products of the Davao region despite the damage inflicted by typhoon Pablo in many major plantations in Compostela Valley and Davao del Norte. records of National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) 11 indicated that export value of fresh or dried bananas reached P 877, 054 million in 2013, or 46.7 percent higher compared to P 597, 849 million in 2012.

National economic and Development Authority (NeDA) 11 regional director Maria Lourdes D. Lim said that eight months after the devastation of

Davao Region sustains growth despite decline in agriculture

t

He economy of Davao region managed to grow despite the downturn in agriculture. the region’s economic growth rate decelerated from 7.4 percent in 2012 to 6.8 percent in 2013, on account of the accelerated growth in Industry. the Service sector remained as the largest contributor to the region’s total output with 52.8 percent in 2013. the share of Industry and AHff were 31.7 percent and 15.5 percent, respectively.

Service sector posts slower growth the Service sector slowed down from 8.8 percent in 2012 to 6.6 percent in 2013. tSC registered the biggest deceleration from 8.2 percent in 2012 to 3.4 percent in 2013. Decelerated growths were likewise recorded in trade and repair from 10.0 percent in 2012 to 5.0 percent in

7 ENVIRONMENT

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 100 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 3-4, 2014

Countdown still on for vanishing wildlife Text and Photos By ArmAndo A. morTejo

“C

ONSerVING wildlife is an arduous task. this cannot be accomplished by one or two government agencies alone. the continued existence of our wildlife rests on the support and cooperation of our people.” -- Dr. Delfin J. Ganapin, Jr., former environment undersecretary filipinos call it agila, tipule, mamboobook, garuda, and manaol. Despite its several names, Philippine eagle (scientific name: Pithecophaga jeffreyi) is “the king of birds,” thus the fitting name, Haring Ibon.

With a wing span of nearly seven feet and a top speed of 80 kilometers per hour, Philippine eagle can gracefully swoop down on an unsuspecting prey and carry it off without breaking flight.

Although Philippine eagle is the country’s bird icon, it is on the brink of extinction.

In fact, the Convention for International trade of endangered Species (CIteS) has listed as an endangered species.

“By using the Philippine eagle as the focal point of conservation, we are, in the process, saving wildlife and their habitat,” pointed out Dennis Salvador, the executive

director of the Philippine eagle Center based in Malagos, Calinan District.

Aside from birds, wildlife also includes amphibians, reptiles, and mammals living naturally in the forests and grasslands. It also includes the untamed habitats of the sea, like the marine turtles and dugongs.

“We regret losing something when it is already gone,” so goes a familiar saying. If the usual disruptive trend to our wildlife species continues, the above maxim might well prove true for the diminishing legacy of the Philippines. “the Philippines has tremendous wildlife resources,” wrote Jesus B. Alvarez Jr. in a 1981 position paper. “We have unique and beautiful birds which are in great demand, both here and abroad. We also have rare interesting mammals. Most outstanding are the tamaraw and the Philippine eagle which could be placed alongside the world’s finest species.” the accounts of explorers and colonizers of the country revealed that as early as the 17th century, the country’s more than 7,100 islands teemed with wildlife.

With the passing of time, the scenario has com-

pletely changed.

“A few decades ago, the wildlife of the Philippines was notable for its abundance; now, it is notable for its variety; if the present trend of destruction continues, Philippine wildlife will be notable for its absence,” commented Dr. Lee talbot, who was once a member of the Southeast Asia Project on Wildlife Conservation of Nature and Natural resources.

Noted filipino wildlife expert Dioscoro rabor echoed the same sentiment. “It is about time that we, filipinos, stop making ourselves internationally blind to the real status of our wildlife resources,” he said. “We should face the fact that our country is no longer rich in forests and consequently, of wildlife which used to be a normal component of our forests.”

A species is considered extinct when it no longer found in the past 50 years. endangered species are those that have been reduced in number to a critical level or whose habitats have been damaged, altered, or reduced. rare species have small world populations. Usually, they are restricted to very few habitats. At present, rare species are not consid-

ered endangered but at risk. threatened, on the other hand, is a general term used to describe the animal or plant species which could be in the status of “endangered” and “insufficiently unknown.” the CIteS has listed almost 50 wildlife species in the country that are rare, threatened, or endangered.

Among those that are included in the list are five marine turtles, two crocodile species, the Philippine eagle, tamaraw, and dugongs.

“Once these species are gone, they are gone forever, leaving behind an imbalance in ecology and beauty difficult to determine and restore,” observed a committed filipino environmentalist. the decimation of their natural habitat has been cited as the main culprit of the rapid disappearance of the country s wildlife species. At the rate our ecosystems are getting destroyed, many species may no longer be there when we need them, deplored Samuel Peñafiel, former director of the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB).

PAWB is a line agency of the Department of environment and Natural resources. today, it is

called Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) and it is tasked to monitor, protect and conserve wildlife in the country.

Hunting has been blamed as a major culprit in the dwindling population of Philippine eagle.

But the truth is, it is the destruction of their natural habitat -- the tropical rainforest -- that is the principal cause of their rapid disappearance. the natural habitat of Philippine eagle consists mainly of old-growth forests from 100 meters to 1,000 meters above sea level. Unfortunately, these are the habitats that are also fast disappearing due to deforestation.

“Deforestation is terrible,” deplored Salvador. “the Philippine eagle has become a critically endangered species because forest destruction has made it lose its natural habitat.”

Here s an explanation from Peñafiel on why deforestation threatened wildlife species: The problem of forest destruction is very much related to wildlife protection, because most of the wildlife use the forests as their habitat, while water-based animals are in the wetlands.

“But there is also a link between forests and

these areas because if we destroy the forest, we destroy the water storage capacity of the forests,” he added. “During dry months, the lakes also dry up, thus destroying the aquatic life.”

Another major cause of the disappearance is the high demand of wildlife species in both domestic and foreign markets. According to Dr. theresa Mundita-Lim, BMB director, illegally collected and traded endemic and indigenous wildlife species “are (still) being sold at petshops and other stores in Cartimar, Pasay City, and Aranque, Manila City; San Jose del Monte Sunday Market in Bulacan, Hulo in Malabon, and tarua Market in Cavite.”

In 2001, republic Act 9147 -- which criminalizes the collecting, hunting, possessing, trading and transporting wildlife -was enacted. But despite the law, crimes against wildlife remain rampant.

“Despite anti-animal trafficking laws, the number of wildlife confiscated from poachers in the Philippines shot up from 2010 to 2013 -most alarmingly in terms of the number of seized mammals, which exploded 1,600% over that period,” GMA News Online said in a recent report.

8

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

EDITORIAL

VOL. 7 ISSUE 100 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 3-4, 2014

Trash talk

Y

OU do not need to be a rocket scientist to tell what’s proper waste disposal from what is not. You also need not be an environmentalist to know that garbage left uncollected and left to smell and decompose along our roads is a deporable practice.

As if the traffic problems are not enough these days, the instances of uncollected garbage are quite alarming. to name a few, the side of the road along Leon Garcia Street and that area of Dizon road (Bacaca) near a Dabawenyo-themed restaurant and novelty shop are but among the common places where garbage is left littering around. If you look closely, these piles of garbage are not segregated.

It is sickening to note that these areas are busy areas of the city and should easily attract the passing motorists whether locals or tourists.

Only last week, the city government said it plans to mobilize cops to ensure the segregation

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of garbage and its proper disposal are followed to the letter. Well, cops or no cops, the garbage remains and there seems to be no help in the horizon. Whatever happened to the plastics ban of the city? We wonder.

All that trash is everywhere. Which leads us now to the question: is there some sort of a favoritism in the collection of garbage?

What is the CeNrO doing in the midst of these piling up of trash and unsegregated waste disposal?

Village residents around the city also notice the irregular garbage collection by the city’s fleet of garbage trucks. It used to be that garbage collection happens twice a week until lately when the CeNrO apparently has fogotten their primary duty of collecting garbage. We can only hope that before it is too late, the CeNrO people gets to notice these state of our solid waste disposal situation.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. JOSEPH LAWRENCE P. GARCIA KENNETH IRVING K. ONG Photography Contributing Photographer Creative Solutions ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. AQUILES Z. ZONIO ARLENE D. PASAJE CHENEEN R. CAPON / VANNAH S. ANG Correspondent Cartoons Reporters

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Columnists: CARLOS MUNDA • MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEñA • MARY ANN “ADI” C. QUISIDO • LEANDRO B. DAVAL SR., • NICASIO AGUSTIN • VIDA A. MIA VALVERDE • Economic ENRICO“ADDIE” “GICO” G. Columnists: MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER ANGELO C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO PEñA • ZHAUN ORTEGA Analysts: • BERNADETTE B. DAYANGIRANG M.QUISIDO PEREZ • Lifestyle Columnists: BAISR., FAUZIAH SINSUAT •AMBOLODTO • MEGHANN STA. INES BORBON • MARY• JONALLIER ANN “ADI” C. • LEANDRO B. DAVAL • NIKKIFATIMA GOTIANSE-TAN NICASIO ANGELO AGUSTIN • EMILY •ZEN NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN CHUA • CARLOS MUNDA Economic Analyst: ENRICO “GICO” G. DAYANGIRANG • JONALLIER M. PEREZ

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 100 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 3-4, 2014

9

Lingering child labor problem

P

UBLIC AWAreNeSS IS tHe KeY – the country’s surging economy has changed the political debate, but not the lives of the majority of its citizens, including and especially children. National leaders should acknowledge that uplifting the plight of our youngsters is achievable – that the destitution of millions of unfortunate children is not an everlasting, unalterable fact but something that should be among the priority concerns of the government.

In countless communities in the Philippine countryside, it is taken for granted that children work and must also endure the risk of their labor. the National Statistics Office (NSO) conducted a series of surveys since the mid90s which showed that there are now about 4 million working children, most of them in the rural areas. the surveys also show that majority of these children – some 2.5 million – are exposed to hazardous working environment.

But by the late 1990s, various children and women’s rights advocates have had enough. they decided to intercede and make concerned government agencies and lawmakers realize that lifting the children’s status in life by providing them with better education, along with ensuring their mental and physical well-being was a more permanent approach aimed at prepar-

N

VANTAGE POINTS

ing them for a better future. the NSO surveys are the most comprehensive nationwide assessment on child labor. the findings confirm what many of those working on child labor issues have suspected all along: that many filipino children age ranging from 5 to 17 worked on conditions harmful to their health and welfare. Most if not all of the children complained that their work was too exhausting, the hours too long and the pay too low.

Child laborers face the prospect of work-related accidents. In mining areas, for example, teenage boys risk being injured or buried alive if unstably-built mine tunnels collapse. those in the farming communities work with harmful chemicals and noxious pesticides while others risk falling ill from exposure to biological hazards like bacteria, viruses and parasites. Yet a large percentage of child workers said they would continue working despite the dangers in order to help their families. those who know the reasons why

child labor is worsening are alarmed – and not just because the prevailing problem has a lasting effect on the mental and physical capacity of the affected children. this is perhaps the surveys’ most heartbreaking finding: child laborers will endure the most dangerous and health-threatening jobs just to help their families aside from earning extra income for their personal needs.

Apparently child workers would rather be in school during the week, but they have to work – either in the field to help families of tenant farmers or out in the hazardous working environment. they have to miss school altogether because more hands are needed to make both ends meet. Such attitude goes into the core of the child labor problem: children seldom work against their will and think that they are partly responsible for the upkeep of their families.

Moreover, many poor families, too, will find it hard to survive without the labor of their children. It becomes more of a question of who are committed to assume responsibility.

In recent years, the efforts of government and non-government organizations (NGOs) on behalf of the working children have focused on mitigating the hazards under which the children work. rather than criminalizing child labor, children advocates and welfare associations have stressed the need to

improve the working conditions and to get the children out of life-threatening occupations.

But the scale of the problem on child labor is just too large because government has relegated it to the dustbin for decades. Unbelievably, meeting the needs of about 3 million child workers in dangerous working environs require resources that are not currently available. Strange but true because while government obviously lacks the resources to solve the child workers’ dilemma, its spending spree goes down the drain through the incomparable PDAf and DAP fund scandals.

Meanwhile many other children labor in secret – in prostitution dens or sweatshops that are beyond the reach of pollsters, labor inspectors and social workers – and therefore elude the most determined effort to help them. those who work on child labor problems know full well that it is an old issue closely associated with grinding poverty and think that public awareness is the key. the crucial issues on child labor have first to be on the forefront of public consciousness before they are threshed-out by concerned government agencies and lawmakers as well as families and communities that grapple with the lingering problem every day.

sari-sari stores, market places, transport terminals, and the like.

No adult, child, male or female, is free from hearing impropriety, even expletives. everyone is unwittingly victimized.

Some students may not be listening or hearing these, being out to school, but the rest of the family or neighborhood, young and old, can’t help hearing and listening— at home, in the workplace, in street corners, even in taxis, jeepneys, or buses.

Why would a network owner or broadcaster use the airwaves as a free-forall zone for verbal combat unless he is irresponsible and reckless? Gutter language or profanity should have no place in the home. ***** Commentators ought to always mind that a word, especially a slanderous one, can be just as hurtful as physical assault, that it invites retaliation just as surely as an unprovoked punch on the nose, and that this accounts for many cases of media killings.

No one can justify media killings, but in the context of our imperfect system of justice, it is understandable that hotheads resort to vigilantism rather than await the uncertain resolution of a personal wrong perpetrated on-the-air for all to hear.

Such on-air assaults often occur when anchormen or commentators assume the role of investigator-accuser-prosecutor-judge all at once. they browbeat a crime suspect or witness as if conducting an inquest or trial. Some even indulge their prurient interest by intimidating a rape victim or relative into revealing sordid details of the incident.

this insensitivity is aggravated when, in-between a news report or interview, they promote questionable merchandize or food supplement that they endorse as medicine. ***** they actually think they can justify the fakery by merely saying it has “no approved therapeutic claims.” Of course by then, as they very well know, it’s the false medicinal claim that sticks in the listener’s mind. these broadcast rip-offs are conducted in the name of Press freedom—freedom without propriety or responsibility; freedom to make a quick buck out of fakery!

And it is happening practically every hour of the day in practically every corner of our archipelago, exposing impressionable members of the citizenry to wrong perspectives. that this widespread charlatanism is perpetrated by network executives and putative pundits and arbiters of public opinion, is bad, to say the least. Worse still that in doing so, they mock their own industry’s so-called Code of ethics, of which they are supposed to be the guardians and promoters.

Manny is former UNeSCO regional director for Asia-Pacific; secretary-general, Southeast Asia Publishers Association; director, development academy of Philippines; member, Philippine Mission to the UN; vice chair, Local Government Academy; member, Cory Govt’s Peace Panel; awardee, PPI-UNICef outstanding columnist. He is president/national convenor, Gising Barangay Movement Inc. valdehuesa@gmail.com

Great influence demands great responsibility

etWOrK owners, station managers, and media practitioners who are aware of the great influence broadcast media has on individuals and the community ought to moderate their performance of their tasks.

It ought to make them extra careful, considerate, and focused about programming, content, and manner of execution by their front-line anchors and interviewers.

Obviously one must be accurate, well-informed, use appropriate language, be fastidious in pronunciation, and apt to modulate one’s voice to avoid agitating listeners (who may include youngsters).

As a relatively young society—not quite oriental, not quite western, but uniquely filipino as a blend of both—our social values and institutions are still tenuous and evolving and shouldn’t be taken liberties with. ***** Instead of testing or stretching the limits of the powerful media, broadcast professionals should only try to nudge society forward, not manipulate it, or subject it to stresses beyond normal standards of social discourse.

Certainly they should respect society’s norms of decency or propriety and not be unduly intrusive, mindful of the importance of social acceptability as a determinant of economic viability. Credibility is certainly imperative and accuracy is its linchpin.

But not everyone seems conscious of his social responsibility as a broadcaster.

Quite a few of them overdo sensationalism. And some employ vulgar gimmicks to draw audience attention.

WORM’S EYEVIEW

BY MannY ValdehueSa It seems that hardly a day passes than a kind of on-air trial by a kangaroo court is in session targeting some personality, official, or institution. Accusations, denunciations, and condemnations fly thick and fast, regardless of whether they undermine authority. ***** Such noisy goings-on are heard on programs with such undignified, pugnacious, or confrontational titles as Kuskos Batikos!, Lavatiba!, Zona Libre!, Kombate Mindanao!, Bombardyohan sa Udto!, Paka`!, Banat!, Ang Babaeng Bagol (which seems to presume its listeners to be homosexual)! taking advantage of their permissive industry association—that doesn’t bother to enforce its own code of ethics—they fill the airwaves with vexatious, aggressive, provocative commentaries.

Programs by openly gay commentators indulge in clownish vulgarities and banter in language replete with lewd undertones; in a word, bastos! It is unseemly behavior in a society striving to be civilized.

Against this verbal assault on a fragile public’s sensibility, what chance is there for propriety, ethics, or morality to ennoble people’s attitudes, values, or institutions? ***** Daily harangues, reckless blather, and table-thumping by opinionated radio barkers invade breakfast, lunch, and dinner tables as well as the public domain in

10 NEWS

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EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 100 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 3-4, 2014

power plants are reportedly Chinese nationals.

He said that usually illegal foreigner workers enter the country as tourists with the full knowledge of the contractors and subcontractor who have them in their places of origin.

“Dapat kasi niyan pagdating nila dito, bago mag trabaho, punta muna sila sa opisina namin para magkuha ng special working permit,” he said. the BI-11 Alien Con-

trol Officer clarified that this must be done by the contractors and not the company of the power plants.

“Kung sino ang sub-contractors ang nagpasok ng mga tao na yan, sila ang may obligasyon na kumuha ng special working permit,” he said.

Delima said that the BI recently deported 49 Chinese nationals working in therma South Inc. (tSI), a subsidiary of Aboitiz Power Company due to lack of working

permits.

But, they released the other eight other workers and allowed them to work since they provided a document from BI national office.Of the eight, three of them are Chinese and the other are British, American, thai, Autralian and among others.

Delima further clear the name of tSI since the responsibility of getting of working visa for their foreign workers lie on the contractors.

ABf

the rule of law, integrity of environment and climate change adaptation and mitigation.

“Our programs, activities and projects should align to these five priorities areas,” she said.

Also to be considered are the guidelines on enhanced Grassroots Participatory Budget Process or GPBP (formerly Bottom-Up Budgeting or BUB), the Aquino administration’s top to bottom approach in allocating resources to ensure the inclusion of funding requirements for the development needs as they are identified at the local level which are spelled out in a memorandum received by the LGU from the DBM. On the other hand, city planning and development coordinator Mario Pacaldo said that the

administration of City Mayor Aniano Antalan would have local development thrusts for 2015 that include the construction of new city market and transport terminal, multipurpose gym, more pathway for the port, seawall for Kaputian beachpark, coastal park development, farm-to-market roads and the mayor’s livelihood programs.

“We’’ll no longer have road graveling for steep roads, as these would be scoured and washed out by floods. Instead, we’ll opt for concreting of farmto-market roads in slope areas,” he said.

Based on DBM’s Local Budget Memorandum No. 68 dated July 1, 2014, the 144 cities in the country would share from the total P89.20 billion IrA shares based on their population,

area and income.

On the other hand, the 81 provinces, 1,478 municipalities and 41,889 barangays would share from P91.02 billion, P132.95 billion and P76.67 billion worth of IrA, respectively, as computed by the DBM. In the budget calendar for LGUs based on the Local Government Code, after the budget call forum, where budget proposals of department heads are solicited, technical budget hearings and consolidations would then be made.

After which the local chief executive prepares his budget message and submits the same to sanggunian the executive annual budget not later than Oct. 16. the sanggunian has until Dec. 31 to approve the annual budget.- Cha Monforte, Correspondent

in Zamboanga del Norte, Dimataling in Zamboanga del Sur, Mabuhay in Zamboaga Sibugay,and Lebak, Sultan Kudarat.

“Dahil dalawa ang model forecast na ginagamit, mas accurate ang naiibigay nitong information hindi lang sa LGU but also to the public,” she said. rosario said AWS is the latest model of its kind which technology came

from Germany. It used two models forecast. It compliments with the data gathered by Pag-Asa. the station is equipped with barometer, anemometer and rain gauge.

AWS has the capability to measure wind speed and direction, temperature, humidity, pressure and amount of rainwater that falls in a certain area.

All data collected proceed to a data base that

can be accessed online by visiting www.weatherphilippines.com.ph. for Davao City, there are seven AWS deployed in different areas. Among the areas where AWS were installed are in SM Lanang and SM ecoland, Davao Light Power Co. the weather stations were maintained and managed by risk reduction and disaster preparedness officers of

“early warning leads to early action. early action minimizes loss. therefore, reduced amounts of loss leads to early recovery.”

Based on the lessons of Super typhoon “Yolanda” (Haiyan), the DOSt has come up with a 4-point agenda to guide community disaster preparedness: (1) increase local risk knowledge, (2) capacitate hazards monitoring, (3) test warning and communications protocol, and (4) build response capability in communities.

When asked on how filipinos can response to disasters, Dr. teofredo t. esguerra, a flight surgeon who is an expert on emergency medical services, replies: “filipinos should make it like a part of their lives. they should be like Japanese who are always prepared; in fact, they

have some survival kits which have already become a part of their dayto-day activities.”

Indeed, preparedness is the key to reduce the impacts of disaster. On November 8, 2013, super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) battered tulang Diyot, a 1.5-kilometer long by 500-meter-wide island in Camotes group of islands, levelling the houses to the ground. With more than 1,000 people, no casualty was reported.

A day before Yolanda hit eastern Samar, former mayor Alfredo Arquillano told the residents to evacuate to higher grounds with no ifs or buts. “It’s a good decision,” he said.

“It’s fair to say it saved everyone’s life. there is not one house left standing on the island; everything was wiped out.”

His secret, he heeded the warnings of government agencies like the weather bureau. “It just shows that preparedness pays,” he admitted. “We have been working for years on early warnings, evacuations. the awareness level of the community was so high that it went well.” the world’s weather has completely changed. filipinos should not be complacent when it comes to disasters. Senator Legarda reminds: “there will be many more typhoons, earthquakes and other natural hazards that will come our way. But, let us not be content in having beautiful systems for disaster response and relief. the challenge at hand is to do more and to do better in prevention and risk reduction.”

IGaCos... FFROM 4

8 Davao... FFROM 4

Natural... FFROM 11

HORSING AROUND. A caretaker playfully rides an unmindful show horse sideways during a morning walk at the Davao Horse Club’s Riverfront stable at Crocodile Park

Complex in Davao City yesterday. The club’s show horses will be showcased once again during this year’s Pamulak sa Kadayawan civic parade. Lean Daval Jr.

Hospital...FFROM 4 Sharps, used vials and bottles of dextrose, including injections for fighting cocks and agri-based materials were found dumped at the two talomo beach fronts, raising concerns of health risks to people frequenting the resorts and the possible contamination of the beach water. the sanitation divi-

sion of CHO has initially looked into the area after talomo barangay captain Arturo Jimenez reported the discovery of the medical wastes. the sanitation inspectors have also received a letter from an anonymous sender telling them that he was asked to dump the waste materials in talomo beach by a doctor.

cities, municipalities and provinces.

She said that the deployment started in 2012. In partnership with League of Provices and League of Cities in the Philippines, the foundation was able to install 80 AWS in various provinces and 130 in different cities nationwide.

As of June this year, a total of 478 AWS were installed not just in iden-

tified cities and provinces but also municipalities. the foundation partnered with Aboitiz Group and Union Bank donated last friday a total of 16 AWS that will be deployed to some municipalities region 9, 10, 11 and 12.

Municipalities were identified based on its respective topography and the frequency it is visited by typhoons, rosario added. CrC

legAl noTICe

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late JOVItA HerNANDeZ has been the subject of an eXtrA-JUDICIAL SettLeMeNt with Sale executed among her heirs per Doc. No.310; Page No. 62; Book No. 85; Series of 2014, of the NOtArY PUBLIC SALVADOr M. BIJIS. 7/21,28,8/4

republic of the Philippines Department of transportation and Communications lAnd TrAnSPorTATIon FrAnChISIng And regUlATory BoArd regional Office No. XI Davao City

Application for a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a Th FreIghT TrUCKS Service joSePhIne P. ASIS, Applicant

Case No.2014-XI-00514

x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -x noTICe oF heArIng

Applicant requests authority for a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a tH freIGHt trUCK SerVICe for the transportation of freight on the route: WItHIN PANABO CItY AND frOM SAID PLACe tO ANY POINt IN tHe ISLAND Of MINDANAO ACCeSSIBLe tO MOtOr VeHICLe trAffIC AND VICe VerSA with the use of ONe (1) unit.

NOtICe, is hereby given that this application will be heard by this Board on AUGUSt 18, 2014 at 09:50 A.M. at this office at the above address.

At least, teN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a one (1) daily newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time. this petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence.

WItNeSS the Honorable BeNJAMIN A. GO, CeSO V, regional Director, this 18th day of July 2014 at Davao City.

TereSITA delA PeÑA-yÑIgUeZ Chief transportation Development Officer

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 100 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 3-4, 2014

BIGGER PICTURE

11

Natural disasters: How ready are we for them?

By ArmAndo A. morTejo

“t

He calamity that comes is never that one we had prepared ourselves for.” -Mark twain How ready are filipinos when it comes to natural disasters?

Ask that question to any filipino and you won’t be surprised to hear his or her reply. “God forbids,” someone said. “I don’t know how to answer that question,” replied another. “If it is really our time; then it is God’s will,” still another quipped. “filipinos should make it like a part of their lives,” suggested Dr. teofredo t. esguerra, a flight surgeon who is an expert on emergency medical services. “they should be like Japanese who are always prepared; in fact, they have some survival kits which have already become a part of their day-to-day activities.”

But filipinos, it seems, have the “I don’t care” attitude. this made President Benigno Aquino III to say: “We don’t want to be trapped in the vicious cycle of destruction and reconstruction disaster after disaster.” there is increasing evidence that natural disasters will be more frequent, intense and costly in the

coming decades. “every year, between 600 and 800 natural disasters occur, some small and localized, others affecting several countries and many thousands of people,” writes Bob Hansford, disaster risk management advisor at tearfund, a Christian relief and development agency.

Climate change has significantly contributed to these disasters. “Climate change is expected to lead to more intense typhoons, higher sea levels, and storm surges,” said the World Bank report, turn Down the Heat: Climate extremes, regional Impacts and the Case for resilience. the regional office of the Department of Science and technology issued this statement during the recent “Iba Na Panahon: Science for Safer Communities”: “(the) Philippines has experienced different kinds of natural calamities for the past few years.

In December 2012, typhoon Pablo (Bopha), the strongest tropical cyclone to ever hit Mindanao in Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley, left thousands of homeless and hundreds of fatalities.

“In October 2013, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake

shocked the whole province of Bohol and nearby provinces including Cebu.

A month later, the deadliest super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), flattened the Visayas area, destroying hundreds of houses, trees, buildings and other properties, leaving a thousand of dead people.” environment Secretary ramon Paje urged filipinos to accept the increasing numbers of natural calamities lashing the country as a way of life.

As he said in a television interview: “there is nothing we (can) do but adapt to climate change, and the only way we could be prepared for the impact of climate change is to accept that these recent developments in our country, like intense weather disturbances, heavy rainfall, as well as (the) long dry season, are now the ‘new normal.’”

Dr. rodolfo de Guzman, former director of the Geneva-based World Meteorological Organization, explained that climate change means variation in the planet’s global climate or in regional climates over time (decades to millions of years). It is also the change in the variability or average state of the atmosphere over

time. “Changes in modern climate are largely caused by human activities,” he pointed out. typhoon, by itself, is not a disaster, Dr. de Guzman said. “It is a natural hazard,” he pinpointed. “It is us humans who make it a disaster.” disaster-prone country “the Philippines is one of the most disaster-prone places on earth,” said Kathleen tierney, director of the Natural Hazards Center at the University of Colorado. “they’ve got it all. they’ve got earthquakes, volcanoes, floods, tropical cyclones, landslides.” “the ring of fire” – that is how scientists call the area in the basin of the Pacific Ocean where a large number of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur. Unfortunately, the Philippines – a country with 7,107 islands – is located in this rim sometimes called the circum-Pacific seismic belt.

About 90 percent of the world’s earthquakes and 81 percent of the world’s largest earthquakes occur along the ring of fire. the recent earthquake that hit Bohol is a proof of it. In the morning of October 15, 2013, a destructive

earthquake shook the island noted for its Chocolate Hills and endangered tarsier. the earthquake was recorded at a magnitude of 7.2, which has an energy “equivalent to 32 Hiroshima bombs.” the Little Boy atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima, Japan on August 6, 1945 packed power equal to 20,000 tons of tNt. “Had an earthquake of the same magnitude occurred in Metro Manila, 40% of residential buildings and 30% of all public buildings would have been damaged,” observed Senator Loren Legarda, who chairs the Senate Committee on Climate Change. “It might have killed 34,000 individuals and caused fires resulting in 18,000 additional fatalities.”

According to scientists, the ring of fire has 452 volcanoes and is home to over 75 percent of the world’s active and dormant volcanoes. the Philippines, for instance, has around 200 volcanoes scattered all over the archipelago. fortunately, only 21 are considered active.

“Like ghost and monsters, volcanoes can be scary when they erupt. they rumble, shake and

spit outfire, steam, ashes, and rocks. But unlike ghosts and monsters, volcanoes are of this world.

As such, they can be studied and understood,” commented the late raymundo S. Punongbayan, when he was still alive and was heading Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Philvocs).

Science-based response “When disaster strikes no one is indispensable,” said Wilhelm Suyco, the regional officer-in-charge of the Department of Interior and Local Government in Davao region.

As such, Dr. Mario Montejo urges filipinos to embrace “the change in our seasonal climate and weather patterns and the severity of the impact of weather-related natural hazards in the country.”

In a speech delivered during the Davao workshop, the secretary of Department of Science and technology (DOSt) believed “we can use science to better understand and improve our disaster planning and preparations at the national and local community levels.”

Dr. Montejo’s science-based formula in dealing with calamities:

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EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 100 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 3-4, 2014

INdulge!

VOL. 7 ISSUE 100 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 3-4, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

EVENT

Defining how Tagumenyos stay fit

I

never was a health buff during my younger years, in fact, I did not set foot on a fitness gym until I was already way past 25-years of age. Back then, fitness gyms in Davao were simple affairs with a basic weights room, a few cardio machines and a group exercise area. Fast forward to 2014 and I make sure to work out every day.

Davao region’s fitness scene is indeed alive and booming with a renewed demand for keeping fit and healthy, breeding the need of new and modern fitness centres.

The latest state-of-theart fitness centre in the region recently opened in Tagum City. Covering most of the second level of Tagum’s Bibu Square, the 800-sqm Activio Fitness Centre features well planned and designed spaces as well as the newest fitness gear and equipment and a dream come true for owner and active lifestyle enthusiast, Ingrid Taojo who wanted to bring a world-class fullservice fitness facility to the City of Palms. “It’s a dream that began eight years ago and now it’s finally here,” said Ingrid ”This is a dream come not only for me but for all the

Tagumeños as well.”

Present for the opening of Activio Fitness was the honourable Mayor of Tagum, Allan Rellon, fitness enthusiast, Jackie Garcia-Dizon, Ingrid’s mother and inspiration, Caroline Taojo, as well as friends from around

Tagum and Davao City.

During the grand opening, Activo Fitness featured the classes and programs the centre offers. At the playground, Haidel Hamsim led the spinning class and a high intensity circuit training demo was conducted by the members of Davao’s Crossfit DMA, Victor Rivero led the Zumba class while guest instructor Maybelle Yu led the yoga class, and the guest models were given a sample strength development workout by the Activo’s instructors.

Follow me on Instagram or on Twitter @kennethirvingong for more travel tips, foodie finds as well as happenings in, about, and beyond Durianburg.

A2 INdulge!

UP AND ABOUT

Polo Bistro’s ribs and Bibs SiNk your teeth into the juicy and succulent ribs of the Polo Bistro of Marco Polo Davao, beginning August 1,2014 Relish pork and beef ribs grilled to perfection with your flavour of choice -- Japanese, Chinese, korean and Polo Bistro’s signature sauce. All of these are complemented with tasty side dishes.

For reservations and inquiries, please call 221 0888 local 7955.

Flavors of Kadayawan at rBG iT’S the feast of good harvest!

Park inn by Radisson Davao celebrates the kadayawan festival with a special lunch buffet at RBG on August 17 (Sunday), open from 11:00am to 3:00pm.

RBG spruces up their buffet with a themed lunch featuring recipes from different parts of the region.

Certified best sellers include premium seafood items, grilled meat and chicken, plus several dishes infused with Davao’s local ingredients and fresh produce.

Restaurant Manager John Bajado invites everyone to join in the celebration. “This is a perfect opportunity for us to showcase the culinary creations from Davao.”

Lunch buffet is priced at Php699 net per adult and Php349 net per kid. You can also win 2 buffet passes by taking part in RBG’s online photo contest. To join, simply follow @parkinndavao on instagram. Upload your photo and describe what you like most about the kadayawan festival.

Make sure to tag @parkinndavao and mention #rbgdavao in your post. Photos must be submitted on or before 8 a.m. of August 14, 2014 (Thursday). Winners will be notified through direct message and email.

Discounts are also offered for selected local dishes on the menu all throughout the month of August. Stay tuned to www.facebook.com/parkinndavao for postings on exclusive offers and weekly specials.

Book your table through +63 82 272 7608.

Toon Lovers! It’s the Toon shoe Craze at the Children’s shoes Department of The sM store from August 1 to 31. Avail as much as 50% off on your favorite Toon brands and get a chance to participate in our raffle for a chance to win sM Gift Passes! Get set to grab the trendiest pairs this season.

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 100 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 3-4, 2014

ASUS launches first ROG Experience Zone in Davao For many years, ASUS continues to innovate technology and now to put on a greater emphasis on PC Gaming, as a result, the Republic Of Gamers (ROG) was founded in 2006 to highlight the most innovative hardcore hardware for truly dedicated gamers.

For the first time, end-users can experience the new ROG Gaming Laptops in ASUS Concept store located at Cyberzone SM Lanang.

5 years of ROG The development of the ROG is based not just on the technology itself, but also on the needs and wants of its end-users.

As the R&D engineers of ASUS consists of hardcore hardware fans, they are constantly thinking about how they can come up with the products that over clockers and PC gamers really need. They set out to design an ultimate motherboard for notebooks; one with features never before seen by the world.

The Gaming experience, redefined by ROG As a hardware vendor that is in tune with the pulse of PC gamers needs and wants, ASUS is in sync with the industry. With the ASUS ROG brand, we take an active part in the global gaming community, helping develop the industry by sponsoring popular events such as QuakeCon, Dreamhack, BlizzCon and locally, Davao CyberExpo and Pinoy Gaming Festival. As a result of our dedication to the gaming industry, renowned game publisher Blizzard has selected ASUS as the official hardware sponsor for two consecutive years. ASUS is proud to be an integral part of the industry and community, and will continue to provide the latest

hardware to enhance the gaming experience.

The New ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) G550JK Gaming Notebook now

ava i lable in the Philippines The new G550JK is ROG’s latest 15.6 inch gaming notebook, featuring a slim, aluminum design and ROG-gamer looks. Featuring a brilliant Full HD IPS display, with wide 178-degree viewing angles and anti-glare coating for comfort during long gaming sessions, while ASUS’ Color Gamut Management gives accurate and lifelike colors, so it’s great for professional or prosumer applications too.

Maximize your gaming experience

Equipped with Intel® 4th-gen Core™ i7 processors NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX800 Series with TurboMaster Technology with a built-in GPU software that lets you tweak

the GPU a n d gives you long-term stable 5% overclocking experience. Sound is provided

by ASUS SonicMaster Premium, incorporating ICEpower® – a Bang & Olufsen technology – the external SonicMaster subwoofer and ROG AudioWizard software. Together the trio gives a great aural experience that mixes booming bass with tuned speakers inside the G550JK. Mobility meets performance Like a hybrid car seam-

lessly transitions from gas to electric, NVIDIA Optimus technology automatically optimizes your computing experience to give you longer battery life and amazing visuals without having to manually change settings. It is also equipped with the GeForce GTX graphics exclusive TXAA, antialiasing technology brings movie quality to games with higher in-game detail for extra-sharp image quality.

Styled to win The sleek and muscular low-profile aluminum lines of G550JK are enhanced by the signature ROG color scheme of matte black with fine red diamond-cut detailing.

The subtle illuminated ROG logo on the lid adds a touch of exclusivity and makes sure opponents know exactly what they’re up against. Just as cool is the red backlight on the seamless one-piece chiclet keyboard, making it easy on the eyes when gaming in darkened environments. Portability is maximized with just 27mm at the thickest point. With bundle gifts which include gaming mouse, backpack and external subwoofer, the G550JK can go anywhere, and win everywhere.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 100 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 3-4, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

ENTERTAiNMENT

Angeline, Daniel, Abra, and other OPM stars perform in “Himig Handog 2014”

SOME of the biggest and brightest names in the Philippine music industry gave life to the chosen 15 songs for the “Himig Handog Pinoy Pop (PPOP) Love Songs 2014.”

“The competition is stiffer now because of the wide array of genres of the songs composed by a blend of veteran and new composers.

And because of that, we have an exciting mix of singers who will interpret our new ‘Himig Handog’ hits,” said Star Music head Roxy Liquigan about the newest edition of the country’s biggest songwriting competition.

“Angeline Quinto, Daniel Padilla, Juris, Bugoy Drilon, Jovit Baldivino, Marion Aunor, Jessa Zaragoza, and kZ Tandingan are all coming back as ‘Himig Handog’ interpreters. But we also have a lot of first-timers like Ebe Dancel and Abra, Jugs and Teddy, Janella Salvador, Morisette Amon, Hazel Faith dela Cruz, Michael Pangilinan, and Jed Madela,” Liquigan said.

Angeline will be the

interpreter for the song “Hanggang kailan” composed by Jose Joel Mendoza; Daniel for “Simpleng Tulad Mo” by Meljohn Magno; Juris for “7 Minutes” by Mary Grace Gabor; Morisette for “Akin ka Na Lang”

by Francis Louis Salazar; Jessa for “Bumabalik ang Nagdaan” by Sarah Jane Gandia; Jovit for “Dito”

by Raizo Brent Chabeldin and Biv De Vera; Ebe with Abra for “Halik sa Hangin” by David Dimaguila; Jed for “if You Don’t Want to Fall” by Jude Gitamondoc; Janella for “Mahal kita Pero” by Melchora Mabilog; kZ for “Mahal ko o Mahal Ako” by Edwin Marollano; Bugoy for “Umiiyak ang Puso”

by Rolando Azor; Jugs and Teddy for “Walang Basagan ng Trip” by Eric De Leon; Marion featuring Rizza and Seed for “Pumapag-ibig” by Jungee Marcelo; and Michael for “Pare Mahal Mo Raw Ako” by Jovinor Tan. Meanwhile, songwriterfinalist Hazel Faith will be the interpreter of her composition, “Everything

kAPUSO prime leading man Alden Richards has all the reasons to be happy these days. Following the announcement of his portrayal as Dr. Jose Rizal in GMA Network’s upcoming historical primetime series ilustrado, he was also chosen to cohost with Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez-Alcasid the newest reality-talent search Bet ng Bayan. “it’s definitely a privilege to become part of a show like this that aims to discover nothing but the best Filipino talents across the country,” shared Alden who went all the way to SM City Cebu on July 26 to witness firsthand the second day of scouting in the Queen City of the South.

“The experience, for me, was really inspiring knowing thousands of aspirants are ready to take a chance on fulfilling a lifetime dream. Sa Cebu pa lang, napakarami nang deserving makapasok at

manalo. i just can’t wait for the show to air so the viewers can see the exceptional talents of our kababayans,” said Alden.

Happening simultaneously was another leg of two-day auditions held in SM City Bacolod. Gracing this leg of Bet ng Bayan in the City of Smiles was talented kapuso singer Frencheska Farr who served as the event’s guest performer.

Bet ng Bayan is a show conceptualized by the Network’s Entertainment TV group, in partnership with GMA Regional TV. it aims to search and highlight every region’s bet and have them face one another off to be hailed the country’s best bet.

“We take the effort to bring local talent to a national platform through Bet ng Bayan, by seeking them out where they are,” explained Program Manager Charles koo.

“Makikita natin sa show na ito ang galing ng

classic love songs, which include “Hanggang,” interpreted by Wency Cornejo; “kung Ako Na Lang Sana” by Bituin Escalante; “kung Ako Ba S’ya” by Piolo Pascual; “Bye Bye Na,” by Rico Blanco; “This Guy’s in Love With You Pare” by Chito Miranda; and two of 2013’s biggest hits—

Takes Time.”

The 15 finalist songs of “Himig Handog Pinoy P-POP Love Songs 2014” will be played on the radio and online beginning this Saturday (Agust 2) through ABS-CBN’s official FM station MOR 101.9 For Life! and its “MOR TV”

via www.mor1019.com.

Now on its sixth year, “Himig Handog” continues to search for exceptional musical talents and endearing and uniquely “Pinoy” love songs that transcend generations, and which stand out like some of today’s OPM

bawat lugar, at sa paghaharap-harap ng iba’t ibang bayan, magkakaroon ng pagkakataon ang bet mo na maging Bet ng Bayan,” he added.

Bet ng Bayan is open to all Filipino singers, dancers, and other novelty performers who are to show off the best of what they’ve got in either one of the three categories: Bet na Singer/s, Bet na Dancer/s, and Bet na kakaibang Talento (Novelty Act). interested applicants are expected to prepare

a one-minute act, and bring with them a copy of their birth certificate, picture, and an iD with address. The next auditions are scheduled in SM City Fairview (August 1 & 2); SM City Sta. Rosa (August 1 & 2); SM City Gen. Santos (August 1 & 2); Rizal Park, iligan City (August 2 & 3); SM City Naga (August 8 & 9); SM City Cagayan de Oro (August 9 & 10); and SM City Davao (August 9 & 10).

Meanwhile, prior to participating in the Bet ng Bayan auditions, Alden appeared in a kapuso Mall Show alongside fast-rising actress Max Collins at the Gaisano island Mall Mactan, Cebu on July 18 where around 2,800 Cebuanos were entertained.

To know more about the latest updates on the Network’s regional events, follow GMA Regional TV on Twitter and instagram via @GMARegionalTV.

Daniel’s “Nasa iyo Na Ang Lahat” and Aiza Seguerra’s “Anong Nangyari Sa Ating Dalawa.”

For more information about “Himig Handog PPop Love Songs,” visit Star Records’ Facebook fanpage at www.facebook. com/starrecordsphil or follow @starrecordsph on Twitter.

Alden Richards graces Cebu leg of Bet ng Bayan auditions

SHE'S DATING THE GANGSTER Daniel Padilla, Kathryn Bernardo PG 13

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

TROPHY WIFE Cristine Reyes, Derek Ramsay, Heart Evangelista, John Estrada R 13

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

DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES Andy Serkis, Gary Oldman PG 13

R-16

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

HERCULES Dwayne Johnson R 13

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

A4 INdulge!

EVENT

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 100 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 3-4, 2014

Smart opens Jump In Dance Off 2 season with simultaneous dance celebrations

EXPLOSIVE dance battles in simultaneous celebrations in Makati, Cebu and Davao aptly kicked off this year’s Jump In Dance Off contest, the largest interschool dance competition in the country.

Hundreds joined the dance parties put together

by Smart Prepaid at the Black Market in Makati City, Barcode in Cebu City and Acropolis Superclub in Davao City, which featured adrenalinecharged numbers by the Polytechnic University of the Philippines’ Power Impact Dancers, University of Cebu Main Dance Troupe and street dancers from the University of South Eastern Philippines, respectively.

The crews’ heart-stopping routines, followed by breathtaking dance showdowns, gave everyone a preview of the upcoming competition, which offers over P4 million worth of prizes to the nation’s best dance groups in the elementary, high school and college levels.

The event also gave everyone a chance to move to the latest party beats whipped up by MC Paolo and DJ Ace Ramos in Makati, MC Benson in Cebu and MC Wacky and Brylle Aguirre in Davao.

“Smart Prepaid has always been a big ally of the youth in pursuing their passions. With this year’s Jump In Dance-Off competition, we hope to give talented movers a bigger stage to show their dancing chops to the world,” said Joel Lumanlan, Smart Prepaid head.

“We want them all to realize that their dreams are within reach if they only jump in to opportunities around them,” Lumanlan added.

For IT graduate Lord Angelo R. Ladimo, head of the PUP Power Impact Dancers who made it to the finals last year, the competition offers an experience like no other.

“We all gained so much from our Jump In DanceOff because it exposed us to different levels of talents and skills from our counterparts around the country. We learned from them and also felt a sense of fulfillment to in being counted among the most talented bunch of young dancers, ” said Ladimo.

“We also got the chance to be coached by our dancing idols from AllStars, and had the rare opportunity to perform at the Smart Araneta stage. I sure hope that our group go back on the same stage this year with a bang,” he added.

Smart Prepaid has opened the initial phase of

the competition through online auditions that will run until August 12, 2014.

To join the online auditions, each dance group must have 12 to 16 members from the same elementary, high school or college – all subscribers of Smart Jump In SIM or regular Smart Prepaid.

The members of the group may be all males, all females or a mix of males and females, with ages from 10 to 24 years old.

Interested groups must make a video with all the members showing their best moves to their choice of music and submit it online via the official contest site www.smart.com.ph/ danceoff.

Dance groups will be

judged based on their visual and artistic expression; technical execution; and musicality and overall effectiveness.

Those who will pass the online auditions will be invited to the live regional screenings in the different spots of the country in August and September.

The top teams will battle it out in the grand finals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on October 5.

To read the complete mechanics, visit www. smart.com.ph/danceoff2.

For more updates, also follow the official Smart Jump In account on Facebook www.facebook. com/SmartJumpIn and official Smart Twitter account (@SMARTCares).

Call: 224-0733 • Tionko St., Davao City

COMMUNITY SENSE 13

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Villa-Abrille distributes lands in Bucana

By FrAnCeS mArIAn B. CASTAÑA

G

OING on for a decade now, the family of Don Cesareo Villa-Abrille has lived up to its commitment in distributing their 68-hectare Bucana estate to the informal settlers of Barangay 76-A, Davao City, since 2004 thru the Community Mortgage Program (CMP) of the national government, despite spurious claims by some unscrupulous persons that the Bucana land titles are fake. ruel Sumampong and rita Sadorra, bona-fide members of Bucana Salvacion Homeowners’ Association (BUSHOA) Phase I, are the latest beneficiaries of the Villa-Abrille land distribution program under the auspices of the Social Housing finance Corporation (SHfC). the land distribution ceremony was presided over by emmanuel Pelin, president of BUSHOA Phase I, on Sunday, July 13, at the Church of Christ Chapel. Sumampong and Sadorra both received their transfer certificates of title from lawyer Leoncio Villa-Abrille, co-owner and administrator of

the family estate.

After congratulating the new landowners, Atty. Villa-Abrille in his message asked: “Ngano man nga nagpadayon man lang ngihapon ang register of deed sa pag-ila sa mga titulo ni Villa-Abrilles kung peke man galing? (“How come the register of deeds continue to recognize the land titles of the Villa-Abrilles if they are indeed fake?”

Nancy Camporedondo, manager of the Villa-Abrille Land transfer Program, announced that another 152 BUSHOA members are scheduled to receive new land titles in their individual names. this month of August, Vice President Jejomar Binay, chair of the Housing Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC), will come to Davao City and visit Bucana to personally handover the land certificates to the 152 new landowners.

As president of the Bucana Homeowners’ federation, and concurrent president of Cabacan Bucana United Purok

RITA SADORRA (3rd from left), bona-fide member of Bucana Salvacion Homeowners Association, receives her land title from Atty. Leoncio Villa-Abrille (2nd from right), co-owner and manager of the 68-hectare Bucana Estate.

Witnesses to the turnover (from right) are Pres. Emmanuel Pelin of the Bu-

cana Salvacion Homeowners Association Phase I; Federation Pres. Nanette Macapundag, Federation of Bucana Homeowners Association; and Mobilizer Romeo Mandreza. ( Photo by Artemio Padilla)

Homeowners, Nanette Macapundag and her members have received their land titles for 2,219 members since 2004. In fact, Barangay Hall of 76A covered by tCt No. t-366619 stands inside the land awarded to Cabacan Bucana Homeown-

ily in all. the other homeowner association presidents that included Lydia tomada of KASILAK Phase 2, flordelino Cato of Lourdes Homeowners and ellen Atabelo of Bucana Salvacion Homeowners Phase 2, and

ers Association Pres. Macapundag . today, 14 homeowners associations are now the lawful and registered owners of land titles already turned over by the Villa-Abrilles to their members, numbering over 2,219 heads of fam-

their members also attended the land distribution program.

Also present was romeo Mandreza of Panabo Shelter Initiative Corp, mobilizer, who handles the processing of the documentary requirements of all the beneficiaries.

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EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS 15

OH, GEORGE!

Horrible injury ends George stint with Team USA I

NDIANA Pacers All Star forward Paul George suffered an ugly horror leg injury while playing in a team USA practice game at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas on friday. the 24-year-old landed awkwardly on his right leg after contesting a layup attempt by James Harden of the Houston rockets early in the fourth quarter.

Several players, including Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick rose, were visibly upset as George received medical treatment before being taken off the court on a stretcher.

USA Basketball head coach Mike Krzyzewski, who has steered the U.S. team to the past two Olympic gold medals, then told the crowd at the thomas & Mack Center that the intra-squad game would not

continue.

“It’s a tough situation for our entire organization, our coaches and players are very, very emotional,” USA Basketball Chairman Jerry Colangelo told reporters. “there’s no way the game could have gone on under the circumstances.”

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver later said in a statement: “It was difficult to watch the injury that Paul George sustained tonight while representing his country. the thoughts and prayers of all of us at the NBA are with Paul and his family.”

LeBron James, the NBA’s biggest star, tweeted: “Man just landed and got a message about @ Paul_George24. Made me immediately sick to my stomach!! Praying for u a

O R l D - R E NOWNeD ALA Boxing & fitness Gym marked another milestone as it opens its first company-owned gym in Manila located at #25 Balete Drive, New Manila, Quezon City. this is in line with ALA Gym’s aim in providing not only physical conditioning and weight loss but also professional training and coaching using pure methods of boxing fitness program.

ALA Gym Balete is the newest addition to this world-class gym and fitness center. Other branches are in Banilad town Center Cebu City, Paseo ArcenasBanawa, Cebu City, Bridgetown- Mandaue City, Plaza Margarita- Minglanilla-Cebu and Pueblo Verde- LapuLapu City, which are all located in exclusive subdivisions and high-end com-

mercial areas with utmost security.

ALA Gym’s program integrates fitness and plyometric exercise drills which provides total cardiovascular fitness for sports and cross-training through drills, bags, speed balls, much mitts and circuit training effective in developing one’s health and wellness. trainings are supervised and handled by professional topnotch mentors and administered by a personal coach.

Boxing does not only help you be in your best shape and guarantee strength and endurance but also boost stamina, self-confidence, quick weight loss, reduce stress and improve overall health.

As part of its business program, all outlets sell training gears such as: practice suits, sporting items,

speedy recovery homie!!!”

Larry Bird, the Indiana Pacers president of basketball operations, said in a statement: “We are aware of the injury sustained by Paul George in friday night’s team USA game in Las Vegas and we are obviously greatly concerned.

“At this time our thoughts and prayers are with Paul. We are still gathering details and will have an updated statement Saturday.”

USA Basketball will be selecting a team to defend their 2010 world title at the World Cup in Spain beginning on Aug. 30. they are aiming to become only the third team after Brazil (1959 and 1963) and Yugoslavia (1998 and 2002) to win back-to-back world titles.

ALA Gym opens new world-class fitness center Pedal Power on August 7 t W ALA Gym’s newly opened state-of-the-art boxing and fitness center located at #25 Balete , New Manila Quezon City. and other merchandise which everyone can avail.

With this expansion, ALA Gym hopes to touch more lives and help others be fit. for being healthy is not only by being slim but it is about gaining strength

and confidence which boxing gives.

With the increase of demand in health and wellness, the management of ALA Boxing and fitness Gym expands the business through franchising.

He Pedal Power bike-for-renewable source of energy will be staged on August 7 with three groups converging at separate venues ending at the rizal Park.

Albert Lozada, Save Davao Gulf foundation convenor, announced the bikeing activity for a cause dring the fASt fridays media forum yesterday at the Archipelago 7107 by Barrio fiesta as SM Lanang Premier.

“Our advocacy is to push for alternative sources of power,” Lozada said as he bared that a small group of 50 bikers have commited to join the bikefest supported by the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice and Greenpeace. there will aso be groups marching and skateboarding who will be joining the activity.

Lozada said the Pedal Power is a continuing advo-

cacy which started in 2005.

Lozada said they are pushing for renewable energy and the bikefest is a culminating event of a three-day conference on renewable energy at the Ateneo de Davao University which begins on August 4. the August 4-6 Conference on coal and renewable energy is organized

by PMCJ Philippine Movement for Climate Justice. resource persons will come from PMCJ national speakers and international speakers, according to Lozada.

Pedal Power is a mass mobilization showing for the support for renewable energy.

Dennis Sagrado of Save Davao Gulf foundation said the activity is open to all bike enthusiasts and skaters.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 7 ISSUE 100 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 3-4, 2014

WEAPON ART 1st Davao City Open Weapons Kata and board breaking contest in MMA Expo

t

He first Davao City Open Weapons Kata and Board Breaking competition is set on August 10 as one of the highlights of the first ever Mindanao Martial Arts (MMA) expo at the Garden Oases.

Organizer Nell John Astudillo of the King’s Sword Martial Arts and American Bushido Kai Karate Association formally announced the staging of the event during the fASt fridays media forum at the Barrio fiesta (Archipelago 7107) at the SM Lanang Premier.

According to Astudillo

the weapons allowed for the competition will be a choice among a sword, bo, sai, and arnis, among others. there will be separate categories for the kids, teens and adults in the Beginners and Advance. for board breaking, a contestant can do power breaks, multiple speed break and trick/ flying break. they will have to break the 1.5 inches lawaan wood. “they will break it with hand techniques and those who can break the most number of pieces wins,” Astudillo

said. the judges will be blackbelts or instructors from different martial arts. the criteria in weapons include the form, power, execution and difficulty of the forms while in the board breaking are the difficulty, execution and preparedness. the champions and runners-up in each category will receive medals made in the USA. Certif-

icates will also be awarded to the top three winners while all participants will receive a certificate of participation. registration fee is P350. Participants can bring their own weapon while boards will be provided by the organizer.

RAZOR SHARP. Organizer and martial arts expert Nell Astudillo shows his samurai during the FAST Fridays media forum at Archipelago 7107 by Barrio Fiesta at SM Lanang Premier. Lean Daval Jr.