VOL. 7 ISSUE 19 • THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 2014
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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society
MOMENTOUS. An emotional Edge Davao editorial consultant Ramon M. Maxey who is one of the few living veterans of the second World War in Davao City is comforted by his son, Charles, during the 72nd “Araw ng Kagitingan” commemoration at the Veterans Memorial Monument. Lean Daval Jr.
FOOD COMPLEX BACKED Davao City eyed as Southern Mindanao food basket By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.
L
abf@edgedavao.net
ONg envisioned to be a complex of manufacturing, trading and export centers for agricultural produce in Southern Mindanao, the proposed food terminal in Daliao, Toril will soon be materialized after the Davao City Council approved on its final reading an agreement that will pave the way for the implementation of the long-stalled project. First conceptualized in 2004, the establishment of the Davao Food Terminal is designed to enhance the agricultural productivity and employment generation program of the city government. But issues on institutional arrangements between the local government and concerned national agencies caught up the immediate implementation of the project. Last Tuesday, the Davao City council approved on its third and final reading an
ordinance for the signing of memorandum between the city government and national government agencies for the use of property intended for proposed food terminal project in Toril. The council passed “An Ordinance Authorizing the City Mayor to Sign, for and in behalf of the City Government of Davao the ‘Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the City Government of Davao and the National Devel-
FFOOD, 10
HEROES. Second World War veterans are honored in yesterday’s 72nd “Araw ng Kagitingan” commemoration at the Veterans Memorial Monument for gallantly defending the country’s freedom. Lean Daval Jr.
2 THE BIG NEWS EDGEDAVAO
VOL. 7 ISSUE 19 • THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 2014
NEW TREASURE. Governor Emmylou “Lala” J. Taliño-Mendoza (2nd from right) of North Cotabato introduces newly-crowned Binibining Pilipinas-Universe 2014 Mary Jean Lastimosa to Rep. Jose Tejada (leftmost) of the 3rd District of North Cotabato and to the provincial board members during her homecoming on Wednesday at the provincial gym in AMAS, Kidapawan City. Lean Daval Jr.
IN REBUILDING HOUSES
Fire victims urged not to use light materials
D
AVAO City Administrator Jesus Melchor V. Quitain yesterday urged the residents in three coastal barangays who were victims of the huge fire last April 4 not to use light materials in rebuilding their houses to minimize the extent of damage once a fire incident occurs. “Otherwise, just a small spark can cause a conflagration,” he said in a chance interview during the celebration of Araw ng Kagitinigan. One the residents start to rebuild their houses, Quitain
said officials from the City Engineers’ Office (CEO) and Office of the Building Official will be deployed to monitor the construction of their housing structures. But the city administrator said that before the residents return to the affected areas, the local government will undertake survey in the area to allot more space be used as access roads that will make the place more accessible to emergency responders in an event of disaster. Quitain has ordered the
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WEATHER FORECAST
RH Law beneficial to women By ChENEEN R. CApON crc@edgedavao.net
E
MPOwER women to decide for themselves and for their family is one of the benefits that Filipino people can gain from the Supreme Court’s recent declaration of the Reproductive Health Law (RH Law) as “constitutional.” Echoing the local government consistent and strong support for the implementation of the law, Davao City councilor Mary Joselle Villafuerte told Edge Davao in an interview yesterday that inability of women to decide for themselves somehow lead to high mortality rate among women and infants. “with this law, women can be more educated,” said Villa-
fuerte, head of the city council 0committee on health, adding that the law is an effective tool in helping couple determine the number of children “they can have as well as the birth spacing.” She said that lack of information on natural family planning is among the cause of high maternal and infant mortality. “Marami pang kelangang ituro sa mga tao lalu na dun sa mga nakatira sa malalayong lugar,” she said. “with this they can access to better methods of family planning,” she said. “we have both natural and artificial method of family planning. If they are not ready
Small banana growers shun productivity-based scheme
S
MALL banana growers in Davao Region balked at the productivity-based scheme encouraged by the Regional Tripartite wages and Productivity Board (RTwPB) 11 because of the low contracted price of banana with buyers “It is only suitable for big banana companies because they have good buying price,” said Ireneo Dalayon, chief executive officer for Federation of Cooperatives. He bared that since 1998, the $3 dollar buying price has not changed. “we are bound by our contracts with big companies,” Dalayon said.” “The price of fertilizer and all planting material necessary for growing banana has increased as well as the cost of transportation but buying
price remained low,” Dalayon said who is also exporting cavendish banana to China, Japan and Middle East. The RTwPB has encouraged banana companies to voluntarily adopt the productivity-based incentive scheme to boost the banana industry. The scheme is considered to be beneficial to banana industry players as it is seen to increase the industry’s annual productivity by 10 percent as workers are presumed to be more enticed in meeting their productivity quota through efficiency and participation. However, RTwPB chair Joffrey Suyao said the scheme’s implementation should be resolveb by players in the industry .
FSMALL, 10
for tubal ligation, vasectomy, or IUD, we can refer them to natural methods like the calendar method, mucus or temperature method,” Villafuerte added She said that it is not just lack of information that trigger the death “but also the lack of skills to take care their child as well as the lack of financial aspect to support their growing family.” She cited the fact that until now the Philippines has failed to attain its target to lower maternal and infant mortality as set in the Millennium Development Goal (MGD). “I’m just disappointed that there were doctors who are
saying that the law is anti-life, I, myself is an advocate of prolife,” she said. The law will not just teach parents to decide but also become responsible. “we want responsible parenthood,” she said. Davao Archbishop Emeritus Fernando R. Capalla said that he is not yet ready to give comments on the passage of the law which took years before it was approved and announced as constitutional. Last Tuesday, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012 but nullified some of its provisions.
Special body formed for global biz confab By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.
A
abf@edgedavao.net
LOCAL executive committee has been formed to undertake technical preparations for the upcoming international business leaders conference slated on October to be hosted by Davao City local government. Last Tuesday, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte signed the Executive Order 19 “Creating the Local Executive Committee for the Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP - EAGA) and Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) Business Leaders Conference and Trade Fair on October 20-
26, 2014 in Davao City, Defining its Duties and Functions, and for Other Purposes.” The EO states that there is a need to identify different working groups to comprise the committee in order to ease the performance of the duties and role of the city government in preparation of the event. The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) picked up Davao City to host the event. The committee will be composed of the city mayor as the chairperson, lawyer Jhopee A. Agustin, acting assistant city administrator for opera-
FSPECIAL, 10
3 SUBURBIA
EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 19 • THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 2014
GENERAL SANTOS CITY
Hog production in Region 12 drops P
ORK producers in General Santos City and the neighboring localities are pushing for the revitalization of the local backyard hog or swine sector in a bid to address declining production. Dr. Emilio Escobillo Jr., chair of the South Cotabato Swine Producers Association (Socospa), said Region 12’s hog production dropped significantly last year due to the declining number of local backyard swine raisers. He said such situation was mainly seen in this city and in the provinces of South Cotabato and Sarangani, where the group’s members are based. Region 12, which is also known as the Soccsksargen Region, comprises the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, North Cotabato and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato. A report released by the Department of Agriculture (DA) Region 12’s Veterinary Quarantine Services showed that the region’s excess hog production and shipments
dropped to 124,366 heads last year from the 129,383 heads in 2012. Citing an assessment conducted by Socospa, Escobillo said the share of the backyard swine sector in the region’s hog production went down to 60 percent last year from the previous 72 to 74 percent. As a result, he said the commercial sector’s production share increased to 40 percent from the previous 22 to 25 percent. He said the decline in the number of backyard swine raisers was mainly due to marketing problems and the increasing cost of inputs. “we need to revive our backyard sector so we can be more competitive and expand our markets further,” he told MindaNews in an interview. Escobillo said the revitalization of the area’s backyard swine sector is a key component of their continuing preparations for the economic integration starting next year of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member-states. He said they have long been preparing for the
MARKET DAY. Vendors display assorted vegetables and fermented shrimps during a market day in PIgcawayan, North Cotabato on Sunday. [MindaNews Photo by Keith Bacongco] ASEAN economic integration, specifically for the possibility of supplying or shipping pork products to key markets in the region. Escobillo said they are also bracing for the possibility of facing competition with pork meat products coming from other areas in the ASEAN.
“To overcome that, we need to have our backyard sector back on its feet and be more viable and competitive, especially locally,” he said. To address the problems affecting the backyard swine sector, Escobillo said he sought assistance from the DA regional
and national offices for the implementation of support programs for the sector. He said they specifically requested for the provision of financial grants and the opening of credit facilities for backyard swine raisers. He said they also part-
nered with swine feed producers for the provision of more technical support to local swine raisers. “we’re doubling our efforts right now to address the sector’s problems and we’re hoping to gain significant results before the end of the year,” he added. [MindaNews]
4
EDGEDAVAO
BIGGER PICTURE
VOL. 7 ISSUE 19 • THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 2014
Grains of hope TExT AND phOTOS By gERRy T. ESTRERA
“I
F we did not have rice, our deepest comfort food, we would probably feel less Filipino.” -- Doreen Fernandez “ISANG kanin pa nga!” That call, which rings at dining time in all restaurants, best sumps up the eating habits of the typical Filipino and fellow Asian to whom eating is a matter of filling up. Viand, after all, is expensive while rice is not. Since most people can’t fill up with ulam, they fill up with rice. Rice, known in the science world as Oryza sativa, helps feed almost half the people on the planet. And in the Philippines, rice is the leading staple food. In fact, Filipinos spend more on rice than any other food. A survey conducted by the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics, showed that Filipinos, especially those from low-income households, are depending solely on rice more than ever for their daily dietary energy supply and dietary protein because it remains the most affordable food in the country despite the fact it price continues to go up. Rice has devotees all over the world. The Italians have made their risoffos minor masterpieces. Spain’s paella, often served with seafood, sausage, and chicken, is a traditional dish. Latin America’s arroz con polo (chicken with rice) is one of the best rice dishes anywhere. The French riz pilafs, the Middle East’s pilaus, and India’s pulaus, are classics served with all kinds of meat, poultry, and seafood. A popular Japanese rice dish is sushi, rice flavoured with sweet rice vinegar and wrapped with fish, vegetables or omelettes in seaweed. Indonesians set a whole table with rice and assorted goodies that go with the grain; the feast is called rijsttafel. A complex carbohy-
drate Although rice is basically a complex carbohydrate, its protein contains all eight of the essential amino acids and complements the amino acids found in other foods. Low in sodium and fat, with no cholesterol or gluten, rice is a boon to weight worriers and those allergic to other grains. Aside from carbohydrates, rice also contains protein, minerals, vitamins, and fiber. Rice does not only help solve hunger but also “hidden hunger,” the colloquial term for micronutrient deficiency. It happens when people get enough macronutrients (such as carbohydrates, protein, and fat), but not enough micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) for optimum health. The 2013 State of Food and Agriculture report of the Rome-based UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) states that two billion people suffer from one or more micronutrient deficiencies. “The impact of hidden hunger on people’s health is very real,” the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) said in a statement. “It can result in more frequent and severe illness and complications during pregnancy, childbirth, infancy, and childhood.” Rice loaded with beta carotene Enter the controversial golden rice. It is called so because it contains beta carotene, which is converted to vitamin A when eaten. “Because rice is so popular in the Philippines,” says IRRI, “providing rice that is more nutritious and that contains beta carotene could help boost people’s vitamin A status. In turn, this could reduce the extent and impact of vitamin A deficiency among Filipinos.” Consuming adequate amounts of vitamin A reduces overall child mortality by 23-
34%. A research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2009 showed that daily consumption of a cup of rice, about 150 grams uncooked weight, could supply half of the Recommended Daily Allowance of Vitamin A for an adult. Vitamin A is found naturally in many foods, including liver of chicken, beef, pork, and fish. Most of them, however, can be found in root crops (carrot and sweet potato) vegetables (broccoli and tomato), and milk products (cheese and butter), and fruits (papaya, mango, melon). Most of these sources, however, are beyond the reach of poor people, particularly those living in shanty places, upland areas, and rural communities. So, some scientists came up of an unthinkable idea: that of putting vitamin A in rice, as 89% of Filipinos consume rice on a daily basis. Normally, rice plants produce beta-carotene in their green parts, but not the grain that people eat. Golden rice is genetically engineered to produce beta-carotene in the edible part of the plant. Using genetic modification techniques, respected scientists developed golden rice using genes from corn and a common soil microorganism that together produce beta carotene in the rice grain. According to IRRI, conventional breeding programs could not be used to develop golden rice because rice varieties do not contain significant amounts of beta carotene. The team behind golden rice Credited for discovering the golden rice in 1999 was Prof. Ingo Potrykus who was 65 at that time and was about to retire as a professor at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich. His chief collaborator was Dr. Pe-
ter Beyer of the University of Freiburg in Germany. For more than a decade, Prof. Potrykus had dreamed of creating golden rice that would improve the lives of millions of the world’s poorest people. “My team targeted vitamin A deficiency because this is one of the largest health problems worldwide,” Prof. Potrykus was quoted as saying. In 2005, scientists develop the current version of golden rice. In the Philippines, the first generation golden rice was first tested in advanced field trials in IRRI in 2008. The second generation of selected varieties was field tested in the wet season of 2010. At the state-owned Philippine Rice Research (PhilRice), confined field trials of advanced lines were conducted in February to June 2011. “The field trials are an important step in evaluating the performance of golden rice and to determine if it can be planted, grown, and harvested just like other popular rice varieties,” PhilRice said in a statement. “These trials are also part of the safety assessment of golden rice.” Golden rice, after all, is a genetically-engineered product of biotechnology which,
according to C.S. Prakash, a scientist at the Center for Plant Biotechnology Research at Tuskegee University in Alabama, “is one of the best hopes for solving food needs.” Indeed, by year 2020, the demand for grain – both for human consumption and for animal feed – is projected to up. Add to that the need to conserve overstressed water resources and reduce the use of polluting chemicals. No to golden rice But despite the good things that golden rice brings, there are those who are against its commercialization. “A rip-off of the public trust,” deplored the Rural Advancement Foundation International, an advocacy group based in Canada. “The statement that golden rice would solve world hunger is ludicrous,” wrote Leonard Pollara of Organic Sage Consulting. “The proposal that any agricultural activity that relies upon a concentrated vertically-integrated food supply to end world hunger flies in the face of history and reality.” One of the key arguments is that golden rice, once sold, will serve only the interest of multinational companies, an issue that is well-anchored on
intellectual property rights. Others claim that the golden rice was just a ploy of agrochemical companies. To quote the words of Father Shay Cullen in an article he wrote recently: “They own and supply the specific fertilizer that makes the seed grow and upon which it is dependent. In this way, the corporations control the food supply through their genetically-modified seed and food products.” International group Greenpeace, which has made a concerted effort to block golden rice’s introduction since it was announced in 2000, claims that vitamin A-fortified rice may not be effective in delivering vitamin A to children. “The real reason Greenpeace is opposed to golden rice is because it is genetically modified and it can’t seem to imagine that even one beneficial crop might result from this technique,” writes Dr. Patrick Moore, a co-founder of Greenpeace who helped lead the organization for 15 years but is now an independent ecologist and environmentalist. “It is willing to put its zero-tolerance ideology ahead of a critical humanitarian mission.”
5 THE ECONOMY
EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 19 • THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 2014
IMF cuts world growth forecasts for 2014, 2015 T
HE International Monetary Fund (IMF) cut its growth forecast for the global economy, pointing to the threat from the Ukraine crisis and the slowdown in major emerging economies. while the world economy has picked up pace, anchored by the United States and China, the global crisis lender pointed to looming risks, from the standoff between Russia and the west over Ukraine, to poorly handled policy in countries like Brazil, and deflation in the euro area. “The recovery which was starting to take hold in October is becoming not only stronger, but also broader,” said chief IMF economist Olivier Blanchard, introducing the IMF’s latest world Economic Outlook report. “The various brakes that hampered growth are being slowly loosened. Fiscal consolidation is slowing, and investors are less worried about debt sus-
tainability.” The report, released ahead of the annual IMF-world Bank spring meetings in washington beginning Thursday, nevertheless cut back the global growth forecast to 3.6% this year and 3.9% in 2015. The global economy grew 3% in 2013. Each estimate was trimmed by 0.1 percentage points from January, with the downgrade based on data before Ukraine plunged into crisis with an anti-government revolt and Russia’s annexation of Crimea. Blanchard said the outlook for Russia, already sagging before the crisis, could likely be worse now, as it loses income from energy sales and sanctions from the west begin to bite. Emerging economies dragging But other worries have mounted since the beginning of the year, including the ability of emerging economies like Brazil, South Africa and Turkey to deal with higher interest
rates, lower capital flows and lower commodity prices. It said the “worrying” emerging market downturn grew from domestic policy shortcomings and tighter financial conditions both domestically and internationally. Those economies remain especially vulnerable to market turbulence as the Federal Reserve slowly tightens US monetary conditions, the IMF said. The United States itself, compared with one year ago, has become a relative bright light for the world, with the IMF saying it will grow 2.8% this year and 3% next, unchanged from its January prediction despite the beating the US economy took from severe winter weather. One key advance is the end of the US political battle over the budget, which put the country on the edge of default on its debts and spread uncertainty throughout the world
economy. The suspension of the country’s borrowing limit until next year – necessary to keep
funding the US deficit in the short term – has restored confidence in washington’s economic management, and now
the Fund sees the US pushing ahead, though still fighting to get demand back to a more normal, self-sustaining level.
6 THE ECONOMY Stat Watch Indicator
Latest
1. Gross National Income 1. GrossRate National Income Growth Growth Rate2000 Prices) (At Constant
7.1 1st Qtr 2013 6.8
2.2.Gross GrossDomestic DomesticProduct Growth Rate Product (AtGrowth Constant 2000 Prices) Rate
7.8 1st Qtr 2013 7.5
(At Constant 2000 Prices)
(At Constant 2000 Prices)
3. Exports 1/ 3. Exports
4. Imports 1/ 4. Imports
5. Trade Balance Trade Balance 6.5.Balance of Payments 2/
7.6.Broad Money Liabilities Balance of Payments
2nd Qtr 2013
2nd Qtr 2013
USD 3,741 million 5,045 FebUSD 2013 million USD 4,708 Sep 2013 million FebUSD 2013 5,711 USD -967 million million Sep 2013 Feb 2013 USD -665 USD -640 million million Sep 2013 Dec 2012 P 4,964,560 USD 692 million million Feb Jun2013 2013 P2.45,980,938 % million Mar 2013 Aug 2013
8. Interest Rates 4/
7. Broad Money Liabilities
P113,609 2.0 % million Sep2013 2013 Mar P P5,281 127,336 billion million Mar Sep2013 2013
9. National Government 8. Revenues Interest Rate 9. National Government
10.Revenues National government outstanding debt outstanding debt
P 5,609 P 41.14 billion Apr 2013
11.Stocks Peso per US $ 12. Composite Index 6/
6,847.5 P 43.83 Mar Sep2013 2013
12. Stocks Composite
6,191.8 132.8 Sep2013 2013 Apr
13. Consumer Price Index
135.2 Oct2.62013
10.Peso National government 11. per US $ 5/
Sep 2013
13. Consumer Index Price Index 2006=100
2006=100 14. Headline Inflation Rate 14. 2006=100 Headline Inflation
Apr 2013
15. Core Inflation Rate 2006=100 2006=100
Apr 2013
2006=100 16. Visitor Arrivals
418,108 Oct 2013 Feb 2013
2.9 Oct3.12013
Rate
15. Core Inflation Rate
2.5
382,022 Aug 2013 20.9%
16. Visitor Arrivals
17. Underemployment 7/ 17. Rate Underemploymen
Jan 2013 19.2%
18. 18.Unemployment UnemploymentRate Rate7/
7.1% Jan 2013 7.3%
Rate
Jul 2013 Jul 2013
MONTHLY AVERAGE EXCHANGE RATE (January 2011-September 2013) Month Average December November October September August July June May April March February January
2013
2012
2011
43.83 43.86 43.35 42.91 41.30 41.14 40.71 40.67 40.73
42.23 41.01 41.12 41.45 41.75 42.04 41.91 42.78 42.85 42.70 42.86 42.66 43.62
43.31 43.64 43.27 43.45 43.02 42.42 42.81 43.37 43.13 43.24 43.52 43.70 44.17
It figures
64th
VOL. 7 ISSUE 19 • THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 2014
Toyota recalls 6.39 M vehicles worldwide T
OyOTA on wednesday, April 9 recalled 6.39 million vehicles worldwide for 5 different problems, dealing another blow to the world’s largest automaker whose reputation for quality and safety has been dented in recent years. Despite record sales and bumper profits, Toyota has been fighting to protect its brand after millions of earlier recalls and in the wake of a $1.2-billion settlement last month to settle US criminal charges. In October 2012, Toyota announced a global recall of 7.43 million vehicles, including its popular Camry and Corolla models, over a possible fire risk, while in February it recalled 1.9 million of its signature Prius hybrid cars. On wednesday, the firm’s Tokyo-listed shares took a hit, falling 3.07% to 5,450 yen ($53) by the close. Toyota announced 5 separate recalls involving 26 Toyota models, as well as the Pontiac Vibe and the Subaru Trezia. “Since a few models are involved in more than one recall, the total number of vehicles that will be reme-
died is 6.39 million,” Toyota said in an e-mail. Among the problems are a driver’s seat defect, steering column problems, and an engine starter glitch that poses a fire risk, the company said. The vehicles affected include the Corolla sedan, the
RAV4 sport utility vehicle and yaris subcompact. Toyota said it had received two reports about fires owing to the starter defect, but added that none of the issues had caused any accidents to its knowledge. The vehicles, made over the past decade, include 1.08
million in Japan, 2.3 million in North America, about 770,000 in Europe and 62,000 in China, Toyota said. $1.2-B criminal charges settled In March, the Japanese automaker agreed to pay $1.2 billion to settle US criminal charges that
it lied to safety regulators and the public as it tried to cover up deadly accelerator defects. Dozens of deaths were blamed on the problems, which caused vehicles to speed out of control and fail to respond to the brake. [AFP]
ERBALIFE, a global nutrition company, announced the launch of its first ever Asia-Pacific wellness tour, which will see seven Herbalife Nutrition Advisory Board (NAB) members and its director of fitness education and visit a total of 30 cities in Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia in the month of April. with the rising trend of obesity and ageing, the Herbalife wellness tour seeks to present valuable insights on nutrition, healthy lifestyle
and physical activity as the world's population faces a global nutrition transition. Mr. william M. Rahn, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Herbalife Asia Pacific, said, "The Asia-Pacific wellness tour reflects our commitment to helping people pursue a healthy, active lifestyle with education, training and industry-leading nutrition products. with the obesity epidemic expected to get worse, we will play a more proactive role in helping people combat this health issue and live healthier lives." The Herbalife Nutrition Advisory Board (NAB) members participating in the well-
ness tour comprised of leading global experts in the fields of nutrition and health -- Dr Julian Alvarez Garcia (sports medicine and sports physiology), Dr. Banu Cayci (obesity, exercise, antioxidants), Dr. Marco De Angelis (sports medicine), Dr. Carel le Roux (metabolic medicine), Dr. Nataniel Viuniski (pediatrician and nutritional expert), Dr. Jonathan yarom (sports physician, preventative medicine) and Dr. Rocio Medina, vice president of worldwide nutrition training at Herbalife (nutrition and obesity). Samantha Clayton, Herbalife's Director of Fitness, a former competitive sprinter and fit-
ness expert will also be part of the wellness tour to educate and train Herbalife Independent Distributors and members of the public on the principles of healthy lifestyle and fitness. The doctors will visit the cities to present at health seminars held by Herbalife on principles of better nutrition, the importance of regular physical activity and healthy lifestyle options as a way to proactively combat the obesity epidemic which is sweeping across the world, including the Asia Pacific region. According to the world Health Organization (wHO), more than 1.4 billion
adults were overweight and at least 2.8 million adults die each year as a result of being overweight or obese, which is linked to several chronic lifestyle illnesses including diabetes and heart diseases. In Asia Pacific, the prevalence of obesity is growing fast with several countries predicted to see among the fastest growth in obesity rates between 2010 and 2020 -- the obese and overweight population in Vietnam will increase by 225%, Hong Kong by 178%, India by 100%, South Korea by 80.7%, New Zealand by 52%, and Indonesia by 50%. [Euromonitor International]
One of the affected is RAV4 sport utility vehicle
Herbalife launches first ever Asia-Pacific Wellness Tour H
Overall ranking of the Philippines, out of 138 economies, in the World Economic Forum’s Enabling Trade Index for 2014. This is a significant improvement of 8 places from 2012’s rank of 72nd.
45.1%
Percentage of the increase in the government’s expenditures for infrastructure and other Capital Outlay (CO) as of January 2014. Expenditures surged to P23.8 billion – a P7.4 billion increase from the P16.4 billion recorded in the same month last year.
17.2%
Percentage of the increase in rice production in Western Visayas during the first quarter of 2014, despite the heavy agricultural damage brought about by Typhoon Yolanda. According to Department of Agriculture Regional Executive Director Larry P. Nacionales, Western Visayas has a total production of 583,873 metric tons (MT) for the first quarter this year compared to 498,038 MT last year.
7 ENVIRONMENT
EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 19 • THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 2014
Mindanao facing ‘new normal’ weathers
By gERRy T. ESTRERA
“I
S it true that Mindanao is free from storms,” someone asked me. Perhaps in the past years but it is no longer true now. Two of the deadliest storms to strike the Philippines in the last two years barreled through Mindanao and away from the usual typhoon belt of Samar heading north to Luzon. Tropical storm “Sendong” (international name: washi) was the world’s deadliest storm in 2011. It struck Northern Mindanao, the Visayas, and Palawan in December and killed thousands of people and an unaccounted number of people gone missing following the flashfloods spawned by the storm. The following year, “Pablo” (called Bopha internationally) stormed the southern part of Mindanao, making it the strongest tropical cyclone ever to hit in this part of the country. The storm caused widespread destruction on Mindanao, leaving thousands homeless and almost a thousand fatalities. Last year, three storms already hit Mindanao. In January, Auring and Bising came. This month, Crising became the third cyclone to hammer Mindanao. Are these signs that Mindanao is no longer storm-free? That “Sendong” and “Pablo” were not exceptions but rather the rules. Nathaniel Cruz, the resident meteorologist of GMA News, himself admitted that frequent weather disturbances in Mindanao,
especially during the first few months of the year, are highly “unusual.” Historically, according to Cruz, cyclones only hit Mindanao once every 10 years on the average. And it must be recalled that the first three storms that enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility – cyclones Ambo, Butchoy, and Carina – all affected parts of Luzon. So, what happened? Thelma Cinco, climatologist from Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services (PAGASA) said the recent destructive cyclones to hit Mindanao “clearly shows a change in weather pattern” in the area. “It is really rare to have tropical cyclones in that part of the country, but now, we have three cyclones in two months,” Cinco was quoted as saying. Some believed the recent phenomenon is caused by global warming brought about by climate change. “Climate change is a reality,” Governor Aurthur Uy of Compostela Valley said. Every year, about 20 typhoons hit the Philippines. The country is ranked the third most vulnerable to climate change in a United Nations survey. “weather patterns could become unpredictable, as would extreme weather events, hurricanes could become much stronger and more frequent,” wrote Lulu Bucay in a brochure published by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). “Climate change sci-
ence does predict more extreme weather events, and the disaster trend in Mindanao is worrisome,” said Joe Curry, country representative for aid agency Catholic Relief Services (CRS). ““Mindanao is not normally in the path of typhoons.” History records show that between 1945 and 2010, only 35 typhoons made landfall in Mindanao. That’s about one every two years. “Mindanao is traditionally ‘outside the typhoon’ belt,” wroter former Press Secretary Jesus Dureza in his column for a local daily. “Although typhoons are born in the Pacific Ocean east of the island, they start their westerly course northwards and always miss us. In fact, Mindanao boasts of its comparative advantage in agriculture in that we are immune and
free from typhoons.” The country’s first website on tropical cyclones listed several worst typhoons that hit Mindanao. In October 1970, Super Typhoon Titang (international name: Kate) battered Mindanao, including Davao del Sur. wikipedia carried this information: “In southern Mindanao, over 5,000 houses and other such structures were damaged or destroyed by storm surge, heavy rains and strong winds produced by Typhoon Kate. Damage from the storm was estimated at US$50 million, making it one of the costliest typhoons on record at the time. A total of 631 people were confirmed to have been killed by the storm and 284 others were listed as missing. This ranked Kate as the deadliest typhoon to strike the
Philippines at the time.” In the past, Filipinos only heard of tropical cyclones. Depending on the intensity and strength of the winds that they bring, tropical cyclones are classified as tropical depression, tropical storm, severe tropical storm, and typhoon (hurricane). PAGASA, the country’s weather bureau, defines tropical depression has having a maximum winds of up to 63 kph. A storm has winds moving anywhere from 64 kph to 87 kph. It is considered severe storm when the winds move between 87 kph and 118 kph. when it exceeds 118 kph, typhoon ensues. The normal life span of a tropical cyclone, PAGASA says, is seven days, but a lingering one can stay for as long as 37 days. This, however, can be cut short when a typhoon ei-
ther changes direction or changes in intensity. when does a typhoon die? It dies when it hits a land area where there is no available moisture. Typhoons, after all, thrive on moisture and they get loads of it over bodies of hot water. Environment Secretary Ramon Paje urged Filipinos to accept the increasing intensity of typhoons lashing the country as the “new normal.” “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,’” Paje said in a television interview.
8
EDGEDAVAO
VANTAGE
VOL. 7 ISSUE 19 • THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 2014
EDITORIAL
More on prevention
T
HE report has yet to be completed, but this early most Dabawenyos already have an idea of the magnitude of the destruction wrought by the 6-hour fire that razed houses in portions of three coastal barangays in the poblacion of Davao City last April 4. Dabawenyos old enough to remember could easily consider this the biggest fire in the city’s history, second only to the San Pedro fire which affected a bigger number of barangays bounded by the streets of Bolton, Magallanes (A. Pichon Jr. ), Legaspi and Rizal on February 10,1964. The stores and residences along these main thoroughfares and their interiors, including those of Anda street and the Crooked Road were gobbled up by the 12-hour fire. The fire swept through an area now considered as Davao’s oldest central business district (CBD). Owners of department stores then felt so helpless by the inability of the fire fighters to contain the fire that some of them reportedly invited kibitzers to rush to their establishments and salvage what they could from the raging inferno. It was looting by invitation. Like last Friday’s fire, mercifully, no one died in that 1964 conflagration, which started shortly before 7 a.m. in a bakery shop along Anda Street and completely contained only in the vespers of that fateful day.
EDGEDAVAO
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with 3,253 families rendered homeless in Barangays 21, 22 and 23, according to the latest count, this recent disaster could potentially become the biggest social problem confronted by the Duterte administration this year. Helping the victims rise from the ashes, figuratively and literally, is a very daunting task. The P45-million immediately allocated by the Davao City Council is admittedly not a pittance. At best it is a demonstration of the city government’s readiness to come to the succor of its beleaguered constituents. And why not, our city government reacts just fast if not faster when its neighbors are in need of its assistance. Our mayor beat everybody to the draw in bringing food and all to the yolanda-ravaged Tacloban as he did to earlier disaster-hit areas like Bohol, Ormoc and next door neighbors in Comval and Davao Oriental. However, it’s not all about having the resources to react with dispatch, and our readiness to assist communities and people in need. we believe it is more about our capability of reducing the risk and preventing the recurrence of disasters where we think people need to become experts in. This takes a lot of doing, of educating citizens always to be safety-conscious and of inculcating in their minds what they should quickly do when disasters strike. Last Friday’s big fire must not be repeated elsewhere in this city of fire hazards.
KENNETH IRVING K. ONG Creative Solutions
ARLENE D. PASAJE Cartoons
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GREGORIO G. DELIGERO Associate Editor
LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. JOSEPH LAWRENCE P. GARCIA Photography Contributing Photographer
ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR./ CHENEEN R. CAPON Reporters
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 19 • THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 2014
Respect the rule of law
R
H BILL DISPUTE IS FINALLy OVER – Now it can be told. It still comes as a surprise, but profoundly pleasing – for the different groups who are staunchly supporting the controversial Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health or RH Bill, and people in responsible positions to laud the Supreme Court (SC) decision declaring the rule as ‘not unconstitutional.’ The recent decision of the High Court finally put an end to the endless wrangling between the pros and cons. Except for eight provisions of the measure which the SC affirmed as unlawful, the RH Bill for sufficient reasons has to be fully implemented. And by putting the final polish on the bill, it’s just a matter of time or probably by the middle of the year that recipients would be able to avail of its benefits. As a result, the Catholic Church hierarchy who strongly and unwaveringly opposed the RH Bill called upon the faithful to respect and abide by the decision of the High Court. Meanwhile, RH Bill advocates say their efforts have paid off and some experts on family and reproductive health care likewise express what’s really heartening is that with the implementation of the measure, couples notably the indigent ones can choose, live and manage a healthy and happy family life. In retrospect, after months or perhaps even a year of being severely pounded by harsh critics led by the influential Catholic Church hierarchy, the intense debates are finally over. Of course, the anti-RH Bill forces are badly disheartened and upset over the decision of the High Court. They would even blame the Aquino administration solely for alleged “interference,” the same guilt when Congress passed and approved the measure. One primary reason for their strong opposition is the allegation that the Aquino government resorts to family planning and birth control program to reduce fertility levels and population growth rates, but actually not to improve women’s overall health and well-being. Church leaders, in particular, even seek the help of pro-life advocates and women’s groups including media to support
N
them put women’s issues in a proper perspective. The move aims to demonstrate that reproductive health deserves as much space as stories of politics, crime and violence. For the RH Bill detractors the main issue of the government’s reproductive health policy revolve around the “anti-life and anti-family laws and practices into our social order.” And besides, they stood firm in their opinion that certain provisions in the RH Bill promotes and leads to abortion, therefore it’s a case of corruption- mentally and physically. Moreover, severe critics say that if we were to examine past experiences, the several millions of pesos that government has previously earmarked for its population control and family planning program have not produce appreciable results. It traces the progression of international population policy when past and present governments faced with dwindling resources and fast-growing population that they began trying to control birth rates. They also alleged that most of the methods introduced by lawmakers to accomplish their objectives on birth control and family planning procedures were focused solely on limiting women’s capability to bear children. And for the disappointed critics, government reproductive health program is more than mere statistics because it often neglected women’s real needs and concerns. Too often, though, women end up being treated as mere tools in a campaign to tow down population growth rates. Since the start of the debates, church leaders, pro-life advocates and women’s groups decided to intervene in every twist and turn aimed at making
lawmakers realize that lifting women’s status in life is providing them with education, skills training and jobs along with ensuring their political participation and physical well-being was more a permanent approach to managing population rather than plunged contraceptives into them. with the anti-RH Bill groups on many occasions previously marching on the streets and spewing lot of diatribes, however, it lamentably offered nothing to help solve the country’s worsening population problem and ease out the burden faced by the government. Despite all the tirades coming from different directions, the Aquino administration remains unfazed. It has consistently emphasized that overpopulation, more than anything else, is straining the country’s resources. The population grew at a rate of 2.6 % annually and the county is now home to an estimated 98 million people. If the annual population growth rate continues at accelerating pace, the country’s population is expected to double in approximately 30 years. Population experts noted that if the present dispensation will accord lesser concern to the burgeoning population, the annual growth rate could be even slightly higher. with population increasing at accelerating speed it will we be able to double in 30 years – the number of homes, jobs and classrooms? what about food, clothing, water, power and medical services? what about social services, peace and security? Then there’s criminality and brutal lawlessness – will we be able to double the number of courts and prison cells? All the problems that go with these social aberrations are expected to swell. But the government could only undertake advocacy work on population and human development and make it succeed if officials from top to bottom will work hand in hand and set aside self-righteous pride in addressing the needs and concerns and see to it that the urgent program should be strictly followed and implemented. It’s an advocacy worth the people’s support and cooperation – and it’s now a reality.
Bangsamoro: Deals to Be Done
OTE 4: As programmed now, the regular officials of the Bangsamoro regional government will be elected in May 2016 together with those of the provincial and municipal governments. That is certain. The uncertain: will MILF candidates win the majority in the BLA? will MILF control the local governments? The cruel joke: will MILF eat the cake it has been cooking for 17 years? Or: will it finish cooking the cake for the Moros and others in the Bangsamoro to enjoy? The Best Deal There is no better deal than the best. It’s not too late. There should b no need for another round of talks in Kuala Lumpur. Convince President Aquino III and his peace team to readjust the FAB roadmap to reality and wisdom. Provide in the BBL Transitory Provisions that “the Bangsamoro transition period will be three years from the time the BTA takes over from the ARMM”. What reality? This must be the spirit of the compromise MILF Chair Murad Ibrahim made on July 9, 2012 to accommodate the desire of Government that the negotiation would be completed within the term of President Aquino III. At that time, there were only four years left of Aquino III’s term and the Parties had just tied the first knot of the string of the negotiation under Aquino III – the ten-point “Decision Points on Principle”. On the signing of the FAB on October 15, 2012 only three years and seven and a half months of that term was left. That spirit is now completely lost. with the BTC still to finish the BBL draft and the Congress making the “best effort” promise to enact the BBL by end of 2014 so that it could be ratified by March 2015. MILF reckoned the BTA will have one year – ”short by any stan-
COMMENTARY By Patricio P. Diaz
(Conclusion)
dard” – for the Bangsamoro transition proper. Not good enough, the worse looms. The storm of opposition to the BBL and the CAB is now gathering. Unless dissipated on time, the storm can delay further the enactment and ratification of the BBL -- if not, God forbid, abort it. What wisdom? The Bangsamoro should not just be entrenched soundly but assured of the means to fulfill the primary purpose of its being. There are two crucial stages: first, the transition proper which requires time and means to set up the Bangsamoro on sound political, economic, social and moral foundation; second, sufficient post-transition assistance to keep it strong until it can stand alone and develop on its own resources. This isLuwaran’s plea in its editorial on “partnership”. Limiting the transition to 2016 is just handing over the ARMM to the BTA to be handed over to the ill-prepared regularly elected officials of the Bangsamoro. This formula of failure can be averted by giving the BTA the full three years – the succeeding government normally taking over from Aquino III’s. wisdom dictates that because of limited time and assistance, Aquino III should entrust the full transition of the Bangsamoro to the president after him. MILF should not worry about partnership. If the next government assumes the responsibility to continue the proper transition of the Bangsamoro, it will surely fully give its share of the post-transition assis-
tance for its political, economic and social development. Of course MILF has to do its share of the partnership. Should MILF propose the extension of the Bangsamoro to full three years and Aquino III and his peace team agree, MILF will be in a better position to lead the Bangsamoro to full maturity. It does not have to prematurely participate in the 2016 election. It will have three years to build its political base and the trust of the Moro masses. In the first Bangsamoro regular election under the electoral system provided in the BBL, its political party will be strong enough to compete with other regional political parties for the election of regional and local government officials. If President Aquno III is sincere in his speech at the signing of the CAB, he himself should extend the Bangsamoro transition to the full three years after its establishment on the takeover of the BTA. Poor transition will spoil the Bangsamoro. The irony: He will be the biggest spoiler! My reading of media reports and of statements from the President, the Palace and the OPAPP is: The Bangsamoro is a done deal; of theLuwaran editorials: The Bangsamoro is the fulfillment of the long, hard struggle but with the guarded feeling that “more deals still have to be done”. with apologies to Tolstoy, “History sees the truth but waits.” [“Comment” is Mr. Patricio P. Diaz’ column for MindaViews, the opinion section of MindaNews. Mr. Diaz is the recipient of a “Lifetime Achievement Award” from the Titus Brandsma for his “commitment to education and public information to Mindanawons as Journalist, Educator and Peace Advocate.” You may e-mail your comments to patponcediaz@yahoo.com]
VANTAGE POINTS
9
Build Defenses of Peace! WORM’S EYEVIEW By Manny ValDehueSa
T
Part 1 of 2
HE Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) deserves a celebration, like a reunion or homecoming does. After all, it’s the coming together of a rebellious group and the government, a time for reconciliation. Relationships ruptured by war need to be reestablished and made good. Peace needs to return. There are wounds and hurts that need tending. Sundered neighbors need to reconnect. Devastated neighborhoods need rebuilding, traumatized citizens healing. All these need to start now—in anticipation of the birth of the new polity called Bangsamoro. It is for us to do what will ensure that peace will come indeed, lasting peace. we all need relief from the state of high stress and anxiety that had many hanging in suspense, twisting in the wind like laundry, through decades of war and uncertainty. Ensure Success How do we ensure that there will be no reversion to violence and strife? A paper agreement, plus a mere signing, does not guarantee success. The principal negotiators themselves acknowledge that there’s more spadework to do. And of course, they’re right. Lots of work still to do. Some stocktaking is needed too, to validate the CAB’s premises as well as to enhance its chances of success. Needed also is every community’s backing or, at least, cooperation for the sake of peace. It would help also to review conditions in the 3,000 or so barangays of the proposed Bangsamoro area and environs. what was it that left the people in them at the tail end of development, making insurgency attractive? Adjust to New Relations Faced with a new paradigm in the way we are asked to deal with one another, it will help to go through a process similar to a corporate planning exercise when turning over a new leaf. How about a government-initiated societal process to enable every community to look inward and outward with a fresh outlook? Such an in-gathering of the community, every community, in all its diversity will enable its members to get really acquainted, bond, or be refreshed at interpersonal and other levels. Surely there are social science experts who can provide the guidelines for such a societal process—not only for the proposed Bangsamoro area but for the entire Mindanao community too if not the entire nation. FVR tried it The only time a similar initiative was attempted in our communities was during the term of President Fidel V. Ramos. At the time, the Barangay Assembly convened nationwide so the members could undertake to identify, enumerate, and prioritize current and potential problems together. They did so, not in hotels but in barangay halls next door. And every gathering was all-inclusive, cheap, nationwide.
10 NEWS
VOL. 7 ISSUE 19 • THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 2014
EDGEDAVAO
Food...FFROM 1 opment Company (NDC) on the Proposed Site of Department Of Agriculture– Agri-Pinoy Trading Center (DAAPTC).” The approval paves the way for the eventual utilization of the five-hectare property of the National Development Corporation (NDC) which then operated the former Davao Ramie Textile Corporation (Daratex). NDC is an attached agency of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) which was created to function as government’s investment arm. The agency also aims to develop finances and implements pioneering development-oriented projects vital to the sustainability of the government’s structural reforms and economic policies. On February 20, 2013, NDC’s board of directors approved the execution of the memorandum among DTI, DA and Department of Tourism of the four agri-tourism projects including the proposed food complex. Article 2 of the MoU provides that each of the party shall cooperate and collaborate in fulfilling a timely and expeditious manner the objectives and purpose of the project. “And shall exercise its best efforts to accommodate the other party’s requests, as long as the same are reasonably necessary for the implementation of the activities envisioned in this MoU and within its full capacity,” it adds. City Planning and Development Coordinator Mario Luis J. Jacinto manifested before the city council that a MOU was to be entered by and between the local government and NDC for the use of the property as site of APTC project. A joint report submitted to the plenary by the committee on agriculture and food and committee on rules, privileges, laws and ordinances narrates that the officials of DA, DTI, Department of
Tourism (DOT), and the city officials already convened for the project which resulted for the conduct of Master Plan and Feasibility Study and the allocation of budget by DA in support of the proposal. The project was initially conceptualized in 2004 by the city and DTI 11 which identified and agreed to pursue developing the area for the establishment of a food exchange complex envisioned to become the food processing center in Southern Mindanao. Last July 25, 2013, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte wrote a letter to DTI Secretary Gregory Domnigo, chairman of NDC thru Maria Lourdes F. Rubueno NDC General Manager seeking support for the proposed project with a possible legal right agreement or other modes of institutional arrangements in the use of their property. The report states that the goal of the project is to make small independent famers “ready-market” for their harvest to get good priced for the commodities that they will bring to the center “because in this manner there will be a good consolidation and good storage facility that will enhance the value of their products.” The DA has allocated P193 million to support the project implementation. The report further states that in expressing support to the project, the City Planning and Development Office stated that there will be a joint effort of the City Agriculturist Office, City Agricultural Cooperatives, and Department of Agrarian Reform for the purpose of consolidating and encouraging famers to work together in producing leverage in order to get good price. with the materialization of the proposed project, the city government hopes to see consolidations of agricultural products from the farmers of North Cotabato, Davao del Sur, Bukidnon and other neighboring provinces.
The RTwPB in Davao Region Advisory No. RB XI- 01, also known as the “Implementation of Productivity-Based Incentive Schemes for the Banana Industry in Davao Region embodying the second tier pay system. The advisory seeks “to guide the enterprise on a range of productivity incentives which may be the basis for employer initiatives and enterprise negotiations in Davao region”. Last year, RTwPB issued a wage advisory on the first tier of the wage system setting the mandatory minimum wage. The issuance of first tier is aimed to protect vulnerable workers in all sectors from undue low wages while the second tier encourages company to give incentives to workers based on their productivity and efficiency. For companies adopting
the second advisory, the implementation may start with one percent increase in productivity-based incentives based from the actual annual income of the company. “This is just a recommendation but companies can increase this,” Suyao said, adding that currently some companies like Tadeco and Sumifru are already giving incentives to its workers. “It is not only for minimum-wage workers but also for others workers earning above the prescribed wage,” he said. “we are recommending to workers and management to discuss and agree on the adoption of the advisory as this will help in attaining good production level in the banana industry,” Suyao said. “Companies who will implement this will get incentive from the board,” he said. [CRC]
Small...FFROM 2
FOR THE FIRE VICTIMS. Volunteers of the Philippine National Red Cross Disaster Response Team work hand and hand to load repacked relief goods for the victims of last Friday night’s fire that gutted three barangays in Davao City onto a truck at PNRC headquarters along Roxas Avenue in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.
DILG heightens security, safety preparations for Holy Week T
HE expected exodus of people to the provinces and other places of interest during Holy week, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has called on all local chief executives to convene their respective local peace and order councils to ensure the safety and security of the populace in churches, plazas, malls, and transport terminals. In a directive to provincial governors, city and municipal mayors, and punong barangays, DILG Secretary Mar Roxas urged the local executives to formulate proper courses of action in order to anticipate the expected heavy movement of people from different
places, putting their safety as a top priority. “Ang Semana Santa ay di lamang panahon ng pagninilay-nilay; simula rin ito ng panahon ng pagbabakasyon para sa pamilyang Pilipino kaya dapat maghanda ang mga local governments para masiguro na magiging ligtas at payapa ang panahong ito,” Roxas said in a statement. According to the DILG chief, local government officials should also deploy barangay tanods who can serve as force multipliers and assist the Philippine National Police (PNP) in keeping peace and order in their own barangays, as well as in making sure that traffic is well-managed.
He also tasked them to conduct cleanup operations in all public recreation areas, religious locations, and transport terminals in their areas, and to mobilize all necessary resources for the collection and disposal of garbage. At the same time, Roxas called on the PNP to continue to implement police visibility, mobile patrols and checkpoints to prevent crimes and other threats to peace and order. He said the PNP should patrol crime-prone areas and be on guard for Akyat Bahay Gang members who are on the lookout for unattended houses, as well as pickpockets in places of public conver-
gence. Roxas advised the public to be more cautious and observe fire prevention measures like closing LPG valves, unplugging unused electrical devices, and switching off the main source of power when leaving their houses. “Laging nakahanda ang Bureau of Fire Protection para pigilan ang sunog at iba pang aksidente na maaaring mangyari sa Semana Santa,” he said. “with only a few more days before Holy week, we are undertaking all the necessary steps for a solemn observance of the Lenten Season and a stress-free holiday break,” he added. [PNA]
CEO to come-up with subdivision scheme to rationalize the allocation of space among the residents. He said that according to City Social Service and Development Office (CSSDO), the victims are scheduled to resettle back to their ruined areas within 15 days. Meanwhile, Davao City Police Office (DCPO) director Sr. Supt. Vicente Danao Jr. yesterday also urged the residents to report any drug activities which, he said, may have contributed in igniting the fire disaster. “Kung hindi niyo sana pinabayan maging ganyan ang lugar ninyo di sana nasunog yan,” he said. Danao said that police
operatives are now looking for the four identified drug suspects alleged to have indiscriminately threw a lighted candle after their drug “session” in a house in Isla Verde. He dismissed the possibility of filing charges of arson against the suspects since the four “did not intend to burn the houses,” but added that the latter could still be held liable even if it appears to be an accident. Danao said that one of the four were notorious drug suspect was among those who were warned by former DCPO director Ronald Dela Rosa in his ‘Oplan Tokhang’ last year. Last Tuesday, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte signed the Executive Order
No. 18 creating the Task Force Isla Verde aimed at providing security and maintaining peace and order in the affected areas. The EO stipulates that the task force will likewise conduct survey and delineate spaces for road drainage, identify suitable areas for housing, establishment of buffer zones and revalidation of the findings on the identities of the fire victims and actual occupants in the area. The task force is created to provide and facilitate the delivery of assistance to the fire victims. The EO will address the access of fire trucks and other fire-fighting equipment to ‘ingress and egress’ in fire-rav-
aged areas. The task force will be composed of the city mayor as the chairperson and the Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC) head as the vice-chairperson. The members will be the City Social Service and Development Office, City Engineer’s Office, City Housing Office, City Health Office, City Environment and Natural Resources Office, Barangay Cultural and Cultural Affairs, City Legal Office, Office of the City Building Official, Davao City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, General Services Offices, Drainage Maintenance Unit, Task Force Davao, Maritime Police, Olama Group, and Davao City Police Office.
tions as vice chairperson and Reynan C. Librado as the secretariat head. The EO also composed working groups each for the
program, invitations and reception, finance, physical arrangement and sanitation and security, traffic management and transportation.
“The City of Davao welcomes the event as an opportunity, not only for Davaoeños, but also for residents and entrepreneurs in other cities and
municipalities in Mindanao, to effectively promote investments and generate in their respective jurisdictions,” it said in one of its whereases.
Fire...FFROM 2
Special... FFROM 2
EDGEDAVAO
MOTORING
VOL.77ISSUE ISSUE19 19• •THURSDAY, THURSDAY,APRIL APRIL10, 10,2014 2014 VOL.
11
Car, Truck of the Year on display at MIAS 4 T
EN years of significant existence is no small feat. This is what the Car Awards Group Inc. (CAGI) is presenting at the 2014 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS), with the display of the Mazda 6 as the Car of the year-Philippines 20132014 (COTy-P) and the Ford Ranger wildtrak as the Truck of the year-Philippines 2013-2014 (TOTy-P). All category winners from the recently concluded awards night will also be on display at the 2014 MIAS, such as the follow-
ing: Best Executive Car 2013-2014 - Mazda 6. Best 4x4 Pick-Up 2013-2014 - Ford Ranger wildTrak Best Compact 2wD Crossover & wagon 2013 2014 - Mazda CX-5 2.0 Pro Best Compact AwD Crossover and wagon 2013 - 2014 - Mazda CX-5 2.5 AwD Best Premium Subcompact Car2013 - 2014 - Ford Fiesta Titanium Best Basic Subcompact Car 2013 - 2014 - Mitsubishi Mirage G4 GLX M/T Best Subcompact Car
2013 - 2014 - Hyundai Accent Hatchback CRDi M/T Best Sports Car 2013 2014 - Honda CR-Z Modulo M/T Best Midsize Crossover and wagon 2013 - 2014 KIA Sorento LX FwD Best Premium Crossover and wagon 2013 2014 - Volvo V40 Best SUV 2013 - 2014 - Chevrolet Trailblazer 4x2 A/T Best Van 2013 - 2014 Foton View Traveler Best 4x2 Pick-Up 2013 - 2014 - Isuzu D-MAX LS 4x2 A/T CAGI is composed of
m o toring journalists from various print, TV and online
media outlets, and holds annual testfests to determine the
year’s COTy-P and the TOTy-P. Its most recent testfest was on November 4-6, 2013 at the Filinvest Tent in Filinvest City, Alabang. Forty-five units were tested, with nineteen cars showing up on the first day, and thirteen autos each showing up on the second and third days of testing. The vehicles were all launched from January 1, 2013-November 3, 2013, in keeping with the condition that the units eligible for the 2013-2014 testfest were launched within one calendar year, or had significant engine and transmission changes. The 2013-2014 COTy-P and TOTy-P season was supported by Filinvest City Alabang, Caltex with Techron, the Manila International Auto Show, worldbex Services International, Speedlab, Robert Bosch Philippines, Victoria Court, AAP, MG Madrid & Company and winner Graphics.
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VOL. 7 ISSUE 19 • THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 2014
INdulge!
VOL. 7 ISSUE 19 • THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 2014
EDGEDAVAO
FOOD
Beachside Pinoy cuisine in a bucket Shrimps in Crab Fat Sauce.
Crab in spicy coconut milk. Sinuglaw
THE secret is out of the bucket so to speak as Bucket Shrimps, Davao’s newest seafood place located at the ground floor of the MetroLifestyle Corporate Center along F. Torres Street, opened its doors to the public last April 4 and I was lucky to have first bite at it together with some friends from the media.
Sporting a beachside groove with bright interiors and artwork that seems like it came from an episode of Gilligan’s Island, Bucket Shrimps has a laidback air which I immediately find light, fun and relaxing. Bucket Shrimp’s menu consists of Filipino favourites from appetisers such as Kinilaw na Malasuge, Sinuglaw, and Paco Ensalada with Melon (which I totally love) to all-time favourites such as crispy yet tender Crispy Pata, Kare-kare, Patatim, Beef Kaldereta, Bulalo Steak, Crispy Tadyang, Chicken Curry Chicken Liver and Gizzard. Of course the of the seafood restaurant has a wide array of seafood such as Squid, Tuna Belly, Tangigue, Bangus, Tilapia, Lapu-lapu and Pompano served in a myriad of preparation styles that is sure to make every seafood aficionado shout for joy. The highlight of the meal was the serving of Bucket Shrimps namesake, succulent shrimps served in a bag inside a bucket which I happily dug in. Along with shrimps, Bucket Shrimps also serves crabs, mussels, scallops
Crispy pata.
or on Twitter @kennethkingong for more travel stories, foodie finds, and happenings in, around, and beyond Durianburg.
Bucket Shrimp’s bib. Inside Bucket Shrimps.
Pako Salad and Melon. and clams cooked your choice of sauce: Bucket Shrimps Signature Sauce, butter garlic, sauteed in garlic, spicy with coconut milk, or with sinfully delicious aligue (crab fat) sauce. I found the shrimps as well as the crabs and mussels served were sweet, although I was looking for an acid or some vinegar to wake up the flavours. I guess this is because the sauces, such as the one
Mussels in Crab Fat sauce. using crab fat and coconut milk, were really rich. But of course there is no such thing as “too rich” when you are a Filipino restaurant. I just wish the shrimps were a little bit bigger, but I guess I am just spoiled. Visit Bucket Shrimps at the ground floor of the MetroLifestyle Complex along F. Torres Street right besides MetroLifestyle Gym and Bo’s Coffee. Follow me on Instagram
EDGEDAVAO
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Hop into colorful Easter fun at SM Lanang Premier CELEBRATE this Easter Sunday at Davao’s premier shopping and lifestyle destination – SM Lanang Premier – to enjoy an ‘egg-citing’ family day like no other. Anticipate loads of fun and creativity with 3 delightful activities happening at the Atrium on April 20, 2014. EASTER COSTUME CONTEST At 4 pm, dress up your kids aged 3-12 years old in their best Easter outfit to get a chance to win awesome prizes. Participants may join only one of three categories: Cutest Bunny Costume, Most Colorful Easter Carnival Costume, and Wackiest Easter Carnival Costume. Each winner per category can win Php3,000 worth of SM Gift Certificates. To enter the contest, interested parties must purchase the Easter package worth Php149.75 per set, which includes the Easter basket with eggs, candies and bunny ears headband, and submit a completed application form. All registered kids are also qualified to join the Easter Egg Hunt. EASTER EGG HUNT At 11 am and at 2 pm, your kids can join the Easter Egg Hunt at the Atrium and enjoy enticing goodies and treats from participating tenants. Participants can get one (1) Easter egg for a minimum purchase of Php500.00. DESIGN YOUR OWN EASTER EGG At 3 pm, grab the opportunity to get creative and bond with your family in this activity by Goldilocks. Pre-registration for these 3 activities is on-going from April 1 until April 20, 2014 at the designated mall registration booth at the Atrium, SM Lanang Premier. You can also bring home a keepsake by posing for a ‘selfie’ with your family and friends in the colorful Easter photo spot at the Atrium. For inquiries, call 285-0943 local 135-138. Like SM Lanang Premier on Facebook or follow @SMLanangPremier on Twitter for news and event updates.
ABS-CBN news.com, iwant tv win in 6th digital filipino web awards ABS-CBNnews.com and iWantTV have recently won top honors during the 6th DigitalFilipino Web Awards, outshining some of the best websites and video-on-demand providers in the country. ABS-CBNnews.com won in the Broadcast News Category while iWantTV came out on top in the Video-On-Demand Category. The DigitalFilipino Awards is based on certain criteria such as search engine competitiveness, website traffic stickiness, technical performance, and social media engagement. DigitalFilipino. com – a community dedicated to e-commerce, internet research, and blogging – scanned local websites in 50 to 100 categories to determine the winners. No nominations or votes were required or solicited. DigitalFilipino.com owner Janette Toral says this year’s awards recognize the changes with the way websites are being perceived now and how it’s valued. She says high quality and relevant content that can be easily shared through social media were given importance in this year’s awards. It was a second win for ABS-CBNnews.com, which, in 2011, bagged an award for the Television News category in what was then called Digital Filipino Search Profile Index Web Awards. For Toral, iWantTV illustrates the strategic integration of broadcast and mobile which contributed to its success. “I think branding it made a big difference with iWantTV and sticking with it through the years,” says Toral. “Celebrities promoting it after every episode gave a strong recall. You have shown how it should be done. It has to be fully integrated in a television network’s programming and strengthened with mobile to make it more engaging to loyal followers.” iWantTV is now available as an app through ABS-CBNmobile, a pioneering service that combines broadcasting and mobile telephony. This app is exclusively available to ABS-CBNmobile subscribers. Carlo Katigbak, president of ABS-CBN Convergence Inc., which offers ABS-CBNmobile, says ABS-CBNmobile hopes to make video-on-demand easily available to more Filipinos now that smartphones are becoming more popular. “We believe that the innovation that we offer will shape how Filipinos use their mobile phones. It’s not just about texting and calling anymore. It’s also about watching their favorite shows and enjoying premium content using their smartphones,” says Katigbak. The 6th DigitalFilipino Web Awards were held at the Amphitheater of the Ateneo Graduate of School of Business in Makati. Elaine Uy, ABS-CBN’s Digital Media Division Head of Operations, and (designation) Ralph Menorca accepted the awards on behalf of ABS-CBN.
VOL. 7 ISSUE 19 • THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 2014
EVENT
‘Go Negosyo’ honors Filipina entrepreneurs THE country’s top 50 Filipina entrepreneurs were the guests-of-honor in a special dinner recently hosted by Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion at his Forbes Park residence.
A follow-through to the Go Negosyo 6th Filipina Entrepreneurship Summit held in early March, the more intimate affair was a celebration, an opportunity to share experiences and a call to do social good. The women honorees, representing different economic sectors, are all inspiring examples of how one can triumph in the oftentimes challenge-ridden world of business. “I love the Go Negosyo family because as an entrepreneur, I feel like I’m out there on a battlefield with challenges every day. Being with fellow entrepreneurs, I instinctively know we all have that same fighting spirit. There’s a deep affinity among us,” says Cathy Turvill, president of Nurture Spa Village, named by CNN as one of the 28 “Most Relaxing Spas of Asia.” “They are who we call women of passion, with true positive character and a heart to help the people and community around them,” says Mon Lopez, Go Negosyo Executive Di-
Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion fetes successful Filipina entrepreneurs by calling on them to continue helping small and micro female entrepreneurs, as guest speakers (left-right) Maria Ressa, Sheila Marcelo, Jessica Cox, and Karen Davila look on. rector. arms ever to be certified technology is definitely a Concepcion believes as a pilot, Cox chooses to means of uplifting Filipithey can make a differ- soar above any obstacle. nos’ lives. “That is why we ence and thus challenged “To me, giving up is not have sponsors like Smart the successful Filipinas to an option. Just by using Infinity that helps advance continue helping the small the words I can or I’ll try Filipinos’ lives through and micro female entre- means I haven’t given up,” technology in partnership preneurs who comprise she says. with our entrepreneurs.” the lower end of the counMarcelo, founder of Smart Infinity, with its try’s social and economic Care.com, the largest on- slew of premium technolspectrums. line care destination in ogy-based services, is the “We all have a chance the world, is proud of her perfect connectivity partto move up in life. It’s ethnic heritage and applies ner of the country’s top our chance to become a Filipino values in running achievers and entreprewealthy nation. Not only her business. She empha- neurs. that we are wealthy but sized the importance to A long-time Smart Inwe have to help our small being true to one’s self. finity subscriber, Vivian entrepreneurs become Ressa, dubbed as the Sarabia who runs a chain wealthier,” says Concep- “New Media Entrepreneur of optical shops in the cion. of the Year”, spoke about country, considers technoAn after-dinner forum her decision to leave ABS- logical convenience as very led by broadcast journal- CBN in 2010 and how integral to the success of ist Karen Davila featured making that life altering her day-to-day operations. guest speakers Jessica Cox, decision changed her life “It’s very important for Sheila Marcelo and Maria for the better. me to always stay in touch Ressa – women entrepre“This is a magical time with what’s going on in the neurs who achieve things of opportunities, and the business. With my Smart they set their hearts and opportunity comes from Infinity services, I can call mind into. technology. Social media my patients even if I’m The first person without is revolutionary. We feel out or Skype with them to it. I feel it first-hand in serve their needs. It gives Rappler. We couldn’t have that personal touch and I done this, five years ago. become very interactive, I certainly couldn’t have as if I’m there with them.” challenged my ex-employ“We want to make sure er, and any other news that these women entregroup with the amount preneurs stay connected we had and the number of and are able to achieve people we had--if it wasn’t more with Smart Infinity for the technology.” by getting more work done Concepcion, a firm be- through convenience, In photo are (left-right) socio-civic leader and Ballet Philippines President Margie Morán-Floirendo, motivational speaker and liever of the great synergy reliable devices and conguest Jessica Cox, Jessica’s husband Patrick Chamberlain, Julie Car- between technology and nectivity, and unmatched celler, head of Smart Infinity, and Ruth Taal and James Chi of Smart entrepreneurship, said that after sales service,” says JuInfinity. lie Carceller, department head of Smart Infinity Business Group. With great resolve from the Filipina entrepreneurs, aided by the technology available today, there is no doubt that the Go Negosyo family can contribute in Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion with Photo shows (left-right) Senator Grace Poe, veteran mother and daughter who are both top Filipina journalist and founder of rappler.com Maria Ressa, uplifting the lives of those entrepreneurs and Smart Infinity subscribers and Sandy Prieto-Romualdez, President and CEO of in the nation’s lower social Dra. Vicky Belo and Cristalle Henares. the Philippine Daily Inquirer. and economic spectrum.
EDGEDAVAO
INdulge! A3
VOL. 7 ISSUE 19 • THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 2014
ENTERTAINMENT
Star Cinema compiles 31 timeless movie theme songs in one album GET swept over by a wave of nostalgia with the unforgettable blockbuster classics of Star Cinema through its 20th year commemorative album filled with timeless theme songs that touched the hearts of Filipino moviegoers worldwide over the past two decades. Titled “20,” the latest album from Star Records is a two-disc package composed of 31 romantic hits that celebrates the country’s biggest film outfit’s 20 years of bringing life, love, and hope on the big screen. Its carrier single is Lani Misalucha’s “Starting Over Again,” the theme song from the box-office movie of the same title starring Piolo Pascual and Toni Gonzaga. Take a music trip down memory lane and sing along to Sharon Cuneta’s “Hanggang Kailan Kita Mamahalin” (Madrasta) and “Kung Ako Na Lang Sana” (Kung Ako Na Lang Sana); Gary Valenciano’s “Kailangan Kita” (Kailangan Kita), “Ikaw Lamang” (Dubai), “How Did You Know” (All My Life), and “Where Do I Begin” (In the Name of Love); and Sarah Geronimo’s “Fal-
lin” (Catch Me... I’m in Love) and “Something New in My Life” (In My Life). Play the “20” album and reconnect with Star Cinema’s iconic couples, Popoy and Basha through Erik Santos’ “I’ll Never Go” (One More Chance); Jed and Angie through Yeng Constantino’s “Hawak Kamay” (Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo) and “Habambuhay” (Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo); and Mr. and Mrs. Miggy and Laida Mon-
tenegro through Sarah’s “A Very Special Love” and “You Changed my Life in a Moment.” Also included in “20” are Piolo’s “The Gift” (Milan) and “Don’t Give Up On Us” (Don’t Give Up on Us); Angeline Quinto’s “I’ll Just Fall in Love Again” (Born To Love You), “You’re My Home” (Way Back Home), and “Without You” (One More Try); Juris’ “Now That You’re Gone” (No Other Woman)
and “I Love You, Goodbye” (I Love You, Goodbye); Sam Milby’s “Chasing Cars” (The Mistress) and “And I Love You So” (And I Love You So); and Erik Santos’ “Miss You Like Crazy” (Miss You Like Crazy) and “You Are My Song” (A Moment in Time). Completing the tracklist are Richard Yap’s “Don’t Know What To Do, Don’t Know What To Say” (She’s The One); Carol Banawa’s “Bakit ‘Di Totohanin” (Bakit ‘Di Totohanin); Side A’s “Got To Believe In Magic” (Got 2 Believe); Joey Albert’s “Tell Me” (A Love Story); Bugoy Drilon’s “Paano Na Kaya?” (Paano Na Kaya?) and Erik and Angeline’s “If You Asked Me To” (Unofficially Yours). Star Cinema’s “20: The 20th Year Commemorative Album” is now available in record bars nationwide for only P250. The tracks can also be downloaded via iTunes, http://www. amazon.com/, http://www. mymusicstore.com.ph/ and http://www.starmusic.ph/. For more information visit Star Records’ Facebook page at Facebook.com/starrecordsphil or follow @starrecordsph on Twitter.
METEOR GARDEN AIRS ON A NEW TIMESLOT. The hit Asianovela “Meteor Garden” moves to a different timeslot and will be aired on weekday afternoons at 4:30 PM beginning this week on ABS-CBN’s Kapamilya Gold. The whole country is hooked again with this Taiwanese series first patronized by many Filipinos ten years ago. The show also trended nationwide and worldwide via Twitter where it got five out of the top ten trending topics around the world. The ‘Meteor’ fever continues this #weekTWOremember as the love triangle among Shan Cai, Dao Ming Si, and Hua Ze Lei heats up. Don’t miss “Meteor Garden” on its new timeslot every 4:30 PM in ABS-CBN’s Kapamilya Gold. For ABS-CBN regional stations, “Meteor Garden” airs on an earlier time at 4:00 PM followed by the local “TV Patrol” at 5:30 PM.
Jose Manalo-Gladys Guevarra wedding in ‘Vampire Ang Daddy Ko’ LOVE is in the air in Vampire Ang Daddy Ko this Saturday (April 12) as Ding (Jose Manalo) returns to Victor’s (Vic Sotto) neighborhood with his fiancé Dang (Gladys Guevarra) to announce their wedding. Aside from the we d d i n g announcem e n t , Ding visits the neighborhood to invite his friends to be part of this special event in his life. Ding wants Victor to be his best man, Sonya (Pilita Corrales) to be their godmother, and Big (Ryzza Mae Dizon) to be a flower girl. Victor will invite his girlfriend Maria (Sam Pinto) to come with him to witness this memorable occasion. But it seems
like Dang does not want to have other guests aside from Ding’s close friends, which causes a misunderstanding on the soon-tobe-married couple. So Victor will use his power to read their minds. Will he be able to help Ding and Dang solve their conflict? Meanwhile, Vava (Glaiza de Castro) will try to recruit Dang to be one of the bad vampires. Dang will be initially frightened when she finds out that vampires really exist. Nevertheless, when she thinks that she can be young forever by being a vampire, she will decide to join them. Will the wedding celebration still push through? Don’t miss the fun and excitement in Vampire Ang Daddy Ko this Saturday right after Picture! Picture! only on GMA 7.
Tom Rodriguez as ‘Kristo’ in Pepito Manaloto’s Holy Week special KAPUSO viewers will have a special weekend evening this Sunday (April 13) as Kapuso Network’s soughtafter leading man Tom Rodriguez guests in Pepito Manaloto: Ang Tunay na Kuwento to portray Jesus Christ in its Holy Week episode. Being one of the organizers of the Senakulo in their village, Mimi (Nova Villa) appoints her celebrity neighbor Tom to play ‘Kristo.’ However, Tommy (Ronnie Henares) will contest Mimi’s decision because he feels that he is more deserving of the role given to Tom. So Tommy will force the Senakulo Committee to give him a chance to prove himself. He even asks for help from his friends and neighbors to attest that he is a religious person who is devoted to the teachings of the Church.
RIO 2 2D Jesse Eisenberg, Anne Hathaway GP
Will Tommy be able to accept the Committee’s decision? Or will he think of other ways to take the role from Tom? Watch the exciting Holy Week episode of Pepito Manaloto: Ang Tunay na Kuwento this Sunday right after Kap’s Amazing Stories on GMA 7.
12:00 | 2:30 | 5:00 | 7:30 | 10:00 LFS
RIO 2 3D Jesse Eisenberg, Anne Hathaway GP
12:00 | 2:15 | 4:30 | 6:45 | 9:00 LFS
DIARY NG PANGET 2D / *SON OF GOD 2D
R-16
PG 13 / *PG13
James Reid, Nadine Lustre / *Diogo Morgado, Roma Downey 12:00 | 2:30 | 5:00 LFS / * 7:30 | 10:00 LFS
CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER 2D Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson PG 13
11:20 | 2:00 | 4:40 | 7:20 | 10:00 LFS
EDGEDAVAO
A4 INdulge!
VOL. 7 ISSUE 19 • THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 2014
FOOD
Bon Apetit:
La maison de la délicieuse Glace Durian Maison (Homemade durian ice cream).
NOT many cities could capture our heart and soul -- at the same time. Apart from movies and media, we have our imagination to depend on whenever we want to partake in a never-ending imaginative journey one continent after another. I admit, like you, most of my knowledge of other culture heavily relies on the World Wide Web. However, I too have my palate to be thankful for. Davao City is a gastronomical hub – it is. Beyond comparison. It has some of the most delicious places in the country; not to mention, budget friendly. If you want to dine with Mozart keeping you company, then do so with family and friends. If you want al fresco dining with the freshest produce in town, then you need not look anywhere else. If you want to relax and enjoy a French meal without the pressures of fine dining then, without a doubt, head on to Bon Apetit La Boutique. The story behind the success of this tasty and delicious French bistro is one of inspiration and passion. Imagine locals and patrons travelling to Tagum just to taste what’s on their menu. If that is not love then I do not know what love is. Situated at Plaza del Carmen, Loyola Street, Obrero, it is one of the most loved, talked about and celebrated dining places in the city. It is very relaxing, its interiors boasting of serenity and emotions as seen from the paintings and sketches on the wall and of course, the
smell of food embracing your senses as you step inside. Not to mention, the warm and happy faces of their staff and dynamic couple, Yves and Rosalie, greeting you like old friends. Now, that is dining at its best! Despite the ambiance, location and everything in between, Bon Apetit is all about food – good food that is. Brace yourself and be enthralled of some of their many offerings. Word of caution, by the time you finish this, you’ll probably hate me for making you hungry. So, my apologies and your welcome. Wine: Pink wine Corbieres (Dormaine de Saint Eugenie) I am not big on the wine but this was good. It
Côtelettes D’Agneau àla Crème d’Ail (Lamb chop with garlic sauce). Crêpe Oeuf, Jambon, Fromage (Crepe with Fried egg, Ham and gruyere cheese. bite – it does not get better than this.
Penne Roquefort et Noix (Pasta with Roquefort cheese and walnut sauce). reeked of summer and them lit up like a bulb on flowers in a hilltop on a a dark day! cool day. I love how it went well with every dish on the Main Dish: Côtelettes menu. D’Agneau àla Crème d’Ail (Lamb chop with Appetizer: Crêpe Oeuf, garlic sauce) Jambon, Fromage (Crepe This dish is simply DIwith Fried egg, Ham and VINE! The tender and gruyere cheese) juicy lamb feels like silk From sight, this appetizer on the palate. Its rich meat is a winner. A big crepe and the garlic sauce go topped with gruyere, well together like a match ham and fried egg with a made in heaven. Best to crunchy salad on the side use the baguette to get all spells forth indulgence – the sauce in a bite --- I tell even without tasting it. you, the garlic sauce itself My companion explained has a life of its own but that it tastes smoky and still best with the perfectly soft all together. As to the cooked lamb chops. Oh salad, it was simple yet ut- and yes, indulge with your terly crispy and delicious. hand! Pasta: Penne Roquefort et Noix (Pasta with Roquefort cheese and walnut sauce) The walnut sauce makes all the difference. This rich pasta is truly extraordinary as it coats your palate with exquisite flavors making you crave for more. Explore this dish with your senses and feel
Desserts: Tarte Fine et Glace Vanille (Apple tart with homemade vanilla ice cream) It’s thin and packed with sweetness that you won’t get from any other. This may have been baked but the apples retain its crispiness that perfectly blends with the richness of the ice cream. Hot and cold in one
Pot de Creme au chocolat (Chocolate pot cream) Rich, creamy and velvety to the taste, this was just the perfect end to a gastronomical treat like no other. Glace Durian Maison (Homemade durian ice cream) The best and creamiest durian ice cream I have ever tasted. I love how the durian is not overpoweringly sweet and velvety to the taste. Some days, you just need to let go and eat!
Complimentary: Homemade French Baguette and Tapenade (Blended black olives, herbs and oil) Their baguette was soft and chewy and goes well with anything while the tapenade was oozing with olives that make you hear the wind while on a vineyard escapade! Be a part of Davao’s Thursday habit! Send me your recipes, questions, suggestions and comments and be featured. Email me at leebay457@yahoo.com (subject:RoyalChef) or tag me on instagram (herroyalheiress) for your delicious pics!
EDGEDavao Davao Partners
13 COMMUNITY SENSE
EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 19 • THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 2014
Edge Davao hiring 3 reporters EDGE DAVAO is a need of three staffwriters/reporters for its expansion program. The reporters will be assigned to the business, science/environment and political beats. Applicant must be a graduate of a four- year college course. Experience is not needed although preferable.
Interested parties may send their application letter to Mr. Antonio M. Ajero, Edge Davao editor, thru email address ajero_ antonio@yahoo.com. For inquiries, please call Mr. Ajero thru mobile phone 09052422686 or landline 221-3601.
WE’RE HIRING!
Pantukan Girl Scouts vie for nat’l award T
HE Sta. Teresa Elementary School’s Girl Scout of the Philippines (GSP) in Pantukan, Compostela Valley is one of the nominees for the Pilar Hidalgo-Lim Achievement Award for its “purok clean and green project” that is supported by the mining companies developing the King-king Copper-Gold Project (KCGP). Brenlyn Bano, one of the teachers of Sta. Teresa Elementary School and the school’s GSP troop leader, started it all with a simple
“purok beautification project.” The initial plan was just to rehabilitate the Purok 4-Durian’s hall and start a small gardening project around it. But the small plan prospered into a bigger venture when the KCGP came into the picture along with the scouts’ parents who happened to be purok members themselves. with KCGP’s financial and technical support, the girl scouts were able to clean the once grassy place and
made the hall look vibrant again. Seeing the result of their unity and cooperation has spurred into taking a more ambitious approach to the project. KCGP is a partnership between Nationwide Development Corporation (Nadecor) and St. Augustine Gold & Copper Ltd. (SAGCL) wherein the two companies are working together to develop the world class project while partnering with the community to meet the needs of Pantukan.
INTERIOR DESIGNER / ARCHITECT STORE MANAGER / ADMIN OFFICER SALES / MARKETING Send your CV / Resume to furnone.abreeza@gmail.com and become part of our team.
3rd Floor Abreeza Mall, J.P. Laurel Avenue, Davao City
GSP Council withBrgy. Capt. Jovito Rodriguez (blue polo) of Napnapan and Cong. BobongAmatong of ComVal 2nd District (yellow shirt): The Sta. Teresa Elementary School’s Girl Scout of the Philippines (GSP) in Pantukan, Compostela Valley is one of the nominees for the Pilar Hidalgo-Lim Achievement Award for its “purok clean and green project” that is supported by the mining firm King-king Copper-Gold Project (KCGP). According to the regional representatives of the GSP Davao del Norte Council, it would be a first for the region if the Sta. Teresa GSP-KCGP CLIP will be chosen to win the award this year.
14 SPORTS
VOL. 7 ISSUE 19 • THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 2014
Rockets blast Lakers
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OS ANGELES (AP) -- When the nets finally cooled down at Staples Center, the Houston Rockets had a choice. They could be excited about their highest-scoring game of the year, or dismayed at their worst defensive effort in more than five months. James Harden and the Rockets chose to draw motivation from both sources for their playoff push after a prolific night against the Los Angeles Lakers. Terrence Jones and Harden scored 33 points apiece, and the Rockets beat the Lakers 145-130 on Tuesday night for their third straight victory. Chandler Parsons scored 19 points for the Rockets, who used a 49-point third quarter to solidify their hold on fourth place in the western Conference standings despite their second-worst defensive performance of the year. Still, Houston won the opener of a three-game road trip without injured Dwight Howard and
Patrick Beverley, scoring with stunning ease against the Lakers’ laughable defense. ‘’we had it going,’’ said Harden, who had 12 assists and hit three 3-pointers. ‘’we still gave up too many points, more than we wanted to, but we still got it going. Tonight was a tough game, a weird game.’’ Jones scored 23 points during a dominant first half, while Harden contributed 18 points during an overwhelming third quarter for the Rockets, who made 18 of their 24 shots and hit seven 3-pointers to go ahead 115-90. Jones, who limped off the court with cramps, and Harden both sat out the fourth quarter of the Rockets’ third win over the Lakers this season. Rookie Isaiah Canaan matched his career high with 15 points for Houston (52-25), which leads Portland by 2 1/2 games with a game in hand for fourth place in the west. ‘’when you go up like that, it’s hard to stay
Houston Rockets forward Chandler Parsons, right, shoots as Los Angeles Lakers center Robert Sacre defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game on Tuesday in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) locked in (defensively),’’ Parsons said. ‘’But we can do a better job of that. we’ve just got to keep going and lock up home-
court advantage and get ready for the playoffs.’’ Steve Nash moved into third place on the NBA’s career assists list for the
Caron Butler made all six of his 3-point attempts to finish with 23 points, and the Thunder began the fourth quarter on a 16-0 spurt to pull away for a 107-92 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday night. Durant finished with 23 points but was never needed in the final quarter, stopping his streak of scoring at least 25 points in 41 consecutive games. Only Oscar Robertson (46 straight games in 1963-64) and wilt Chamberlain (all 80 regular-season games in the 1961-62 season) have longer such streaks. ‘’I was getting so many texts after every game. I’m glad that’s over with and we can just focus on the team,’’ said Durant, who shot 8 for 13 in 31 minutes. ‘’If we played well and I had 25 points, that took away from how well the team was playing, so I didn’t like that. If we lost, it was all about me scoring 25 points and I didn’t like that either. I’m glad we can just talk about the team now.’’ Coming off losses at Memphis and Phoenix, Oklahoma City certainly has plenty of bigger things to play for during the sea-
son’s final two weeks. Serge Ibaka added 19 points and four rebounds for the Thunder, who rested Russell westbrook ahead of wednesday night’s game at the Los Angeles Clippers. Oklahoma City (56-21) is 1 1/2 games ahead of the Clippers (55-23) for the western Conference’s No. 2 playoff seed. Even still, Durant said he was aware of how many points he had but never thought of asking coach Scott Brooks to go back in the game. Brooks insisted it never crossed his mind, either, saying the most impressive thing about Durant’s streak is that he didn’t even realize it ended because Durant has been the ‘’trademark for consistency.’’ ‘’He’s about team,’’ Brooks said. ‘’If he wasn’t, he would have played golf and tried to chase (Jack) Nicklaus’ record of 18 majors.’’ DeMarcus Cousins had 24 points and 14 rebounds, and Travis Outlaw scored 24 points in Sacramento’s third straight loss. Even with three regulars out with injuries, the Kings made the Thunder work through the first three quarters.
miserable Lakers (25-53), who tied the franchise record for losses in a single season with their worst defensive performance of
the year. Afterward, Nash said his season might be over after playing through another twinge of pain in his troublesome ham-
Durant’s 25 streak ends at 41 Wolves cruise past
S
ACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- with Kevin Durant on the bench to start the fourth quarter, his Oklahoma City Thunder teammates put together a
run that helped end one of the most impressive scoring streaks in NBA history. And Durant says nobody is happier it’s over than him.
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant, right, passes over Sacramento Kings forward Travis Outlaw. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)
Spurs, 110-91
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INNEAPOLIS (AP) -Throughout the San Antonio Spurs’ 19-game winning streak, coach Gregg Popovich was practically begging for his team to lose to help them re-focus as the playoffs approached. well it’s happened twice in the last three games now, and the latest was a thumping by the lottery-bound Minnesota Timberwolves. Ricky Rubio scored 23 points and Gorgui Dieng had 12 points and 15 rebounds, leading the Timberwolves to a 11091 victory over the Spurs on Tuesday night. ‘’They beat us in every facet of the game,’’ Popovich said. ‘’They basically forced us to lay an egg. we were awful and a lot of it was because of their aggressiveness.’’ Kevin Love had 19 points and 12 rebounds and Corey Brewer scored 14 for the Timberwolves, who have beaten Miami and San Antonio in two of their last three games. ‘’It’s something that we like to show, that’s why we want to end the season strong and build something for next year,’’
Rubio said. Kawhi Leonard had 11 points and six rebounds for the Spurs, who were playing without Tony Parker. The point guard has a back injury, but Popovich said before the game he didn’t believe it was that serious. The Spurs (60-18) entered with a 4 1/2game lead over Oklahoma City in the race for the best record in the NBA. Manu Ginobili left in the third quarter with a left calf contusion, and the Spurs were just 4 for 17 from 3-point range in a listless performance. The Spurs haven’t clinched home-court advantage throughout the playoffs, but there’s no doubt they would like to seal that up after losing Games 6 and 7 of the NBA Finals in Miami last season. with the turnovers and clanked shots piling up early - San Antonio trailed by as many as 28 in the third quarter - Popovich played Tim Duncan just 20 minutes and went deep into his bench as he often does.
EDGEDAVAO
SPORTS 15 SPORTS
VOL. 7 ISSUE 19 • THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 2014
AERIAL ACROBATICS. Sepak Takraw athletes from the Davao Region (foreground) and Region VII battle for each point in one of the exciting matches during the PRISAA National Games 2014 at the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex. (DavNor Photographers Assn.)
Davao hosts 37th FEDBOP Nat’l kegfest T
HE 37th Federation of Duckpin Bowlers of the Phils. (Fedbop) annual Grand National Convention and Bowling Championships will again be held in Davao City on May 5-10 at the Dover Megalanes. “It will be hosted for the second straight time by Davao City Bowlers Associ-
ation (Daciba),” said Daciba president Gerson Tamayo last Tuesday at the SCOOP Session of The Royal Mandaya Hotel. Also present at the weekly public service sports program sponsored by TRMH, Genesis 88, Mulatto Outdoor Apparel, Beefit Gym and Edge Outdoor was tournament supervisor Emie Orteza of Fed-
bop. “This is also the first time that we lift restrictions to those imposed on PDBC sanctioned tournaments. It means that this will be open to all duckpin bowlers so we are expecting a record number of bowling teams,” said Orteza. More emphasis will now also be given to the youth
with the age categories in the 7 to 9 years old for boys and girls, 10-12, 13-14, 15-16 and 17-18. Cash prizes worth P500,000 plus trophies and medals are up for grabs. The tournament is backed up by the city government of Davao through Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.
Rugby summer camp at Matina Aplaya T HE Philippine Ruby Football Union (PRFU) in coordination with the City Government of Davao started its Rugby Football Summer Camp last Tuesday at the Barangay Matina Aplaya 75-A. “The free summer training is for the kids aging 8 to 14 years old and for 15 years old and above,” said PRFU Rugby Development Officer Blessie delos Santos at the SCOOP Session of The Royal Mandaya
JCI Fun Run set T
STREETBALL IS BACK. Adidas Davao 3-on-3 Challenge organizer Felix Abracia (right) announces their tournament set on April 14-16 at the SCOOP Session of The Royal Mandaya Hotel last Tuesday with tournament director Billy Cruzada. (Photo by BOY LIM)
Hotel. The weekly public service sports program is sponsored by TRMH. The schedules are from 4 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. (8-14) and from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (15 and above). The training days are onApril 10, 12, 22, 24 and 26, while the culminating activity is on April 27. For inquiries, contact Delos Santos (09255233529) or Al Milanes (0932811-1555).
HE nine different chapters of the Junior Chamber Inc. (JCI) in the Davao Region are organizing a Fun Run to raise funds on June 1 in Matina Town Square. “This is a joint project of JCI Team Davao region,” said JCI Durian City’s 2014 President JCI Mem. Ryan yap last Tuesday at the weekly SCOOP Session of The Royal Mandaya Hotel. JCI Team Davao is composed of JCI Durian City Inc., JCI Davao Inc., JCI Greater Davao, JCI Senoritas, JCI Central Davao, JCI Davaoena Daba-Daba, JCI Duwaling, JCI Kadayawan and JCI Igacos. “we want to help rebuild Zamboanga and give assistance to the victims of
typhoons Pablo and yolanda,” said Fun Run Director JCI Member Kenneth Tan of JCI Central Davao, Also present at the weekly public service sports program sponsored by TRMH, Genesis 88, Mulatto Outdoor Apparel, Beefit Gym and Edge Outdoor were Immediate Past President Ronila Jabonero, Vice Pres.for Internationalism Joyce Nantes, Vice Pres.for Business Opportunities Chrisberrie Lorraine Crisostomo, Maryfe Sabino, Vice President for Individual Development Skye Dionela, Past President James Infiesto and JCI Member Jann Kristoffer Amaga. The categories are 3K, 5K and 10k for a registration fee of P350 with free singlet.
16 EDGEDAVAO Sports
VOL. VOL.77ISSUE ISSUE19 19••THURSDAY, THURSDAY,APRIL APRIL10, 10,2014 2014
FLYING KICKERS. Sepak Takraw athletes from the Davao Region (foreground) and Region VII show their wares during the PRISAA National Games 2014 at the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex. (DavNor Photographers Assn.)
PBA Youngstars Davao Leg gets underway Western Visayas kickers drop Ilocos Region T HE Davao leg tryout of this year’s Coca-Cola PBA youngstars gets going today (Thursday) and tomorrow (Friday) with close to 400 participants seen to pack the Gaisano Skygym.
The tryout, which begins at 10:30am, will open with dynamic stretching exercises and warm-up after a short pre-tryout briefing. The participants will go through basic drills of ball
handling, passing, shooting, among others, and play a competitive scrimmage. In a statement, the organizing Duterte Basketball League (DBL) said they want to provide the youngstars an
opportunity to showcase their wares in variety of ways. “we want to put these kids in a position to truly get a feel for what they are capable of, especially skills wise,” the statement said. The tryout is a prelude to this year’s Coca-Cola PBA youngstars Davao leg tournament wherein ten teams will vie for the right to represent the region to the Mindanao regional finals slated in Zamboanga City on May 1 to 4. The national finals is set third week of May in Manila. Partakers just need to register, by filling up the form, before they enter the tryout venue. There is no registration fee. Outstanding performers in the tryout will earn a chance to play in the Davao leg tournament which is part of this year’s Davao Summer Sports for Peace Festival. Each team will be composed of 12 players aged 13 to 16 years old. A team shall consist of three 13 year-olds (born 2001); three 14 yearolds (born 2000); three 15 year-olds (born 1999); and three 16 year-olds (born 1998). Sanctioned by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilinas (SBP) Region XI under Regino “boy” Cua, the tournament will divide the teams into two groups and will play in a single round-robin format. The top two teams from each group will then advance to the crossover semifinals with the top finishers fight for the championship. Coca-Cola Philippines and the PBA tied up for the third straight year to bring one of the country’s favorite pastime closer to kids this summer.
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RMED with agility and precision, western Visayas conquered Ilocos Region in the sepak takraw team regu competition Tuesday in the ongoing Private Schools Athletic Association national games held at the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex. with the score at 2-0 for match 6 bracket B of the best-of-five duel, the team of Herman Umadhay, Jeric Allen Arbolado and Eutzec Ryan Abenir of western Visayas shook the ground with their blistering plays in defeating Ilocos. The match was tight
with both teams eager to overpower the other. Equally skillful and persistent in winning, western Visayas nailed down Ilocos and recorded their second win. western Visayas coach Lemuel Gardose is happy that their team seized another win. They are the same team who placed second in the last year’s PRISAA. “we will try to play in the championship again,” Gardose said. western Visayas has three more games before the semifinals. (Desherie Mellomida, UM Tagum College)
Region VII snares its three-peat victory
By ShERlyN DElApOS and pRAISAh MARJOREy pICOT
R
EGION VII blazed its way to victory in Karatedo for the Individual and Team Kata category during the Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) National Games held Monday at the NCCC Mall, Tagum City. Vince Harvey Cabrera and Ann Marie de la Riarte of Region VII won a grudge fight among the other nine (9) competing regions with their vigorous Chattanyara and Kushanku Kata. “I’m thankful to God for all the hard work has finally paid off especially that we came from a far place,” Cabrera said. Region VII warriors fired up the momentum. Team Kata (women division): Julienne Camille Racuya, Frances Lyn Dajunan, and Ann Marie de la Riarte;
and the team in the men division: Ryan Lemoneras, Jovanny Larioza, and Jemiel Gamao ruled the championship for the synchronized Kata with their powerful shouts, kime, correct form, and proper executions of Lupe and Jiin. Meanwhile, players from Region XI placed second for the Men Individual Kata and women Team Kata, while athletes from Region X got the silver for Individual women Kata and Men Team Kata. “Happy, for in three consecutive years we have been winning for both individual and team,” said coach Manuel Aloba in an interview. “Our players of course are well trained,” he added.