Edge Davao 7 Issue 45

VOL. 7 ISSUE 45 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 18-19, 2014

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

Dabawenyos

Happy people

2 ON THE COVER EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 45 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 18-19, 2014

Dabawenyos happy people

By Antonio M. AjERo

O

ajero_antonio@yahoo.com

NE of every 10 Dabawenyos are happy, according to a study conducted last month by the research unit of the Ateneo de Davao University.

The study, the first social survey by the ADdU University Research Council (URC) administered by the Social Research, Training and Development Office (SRTDO) last April 9 to16, said that 90 percent of Dabawenyos “declared themselves to be happy.” The city residents’ state of happiness was mentioned in the last paragraph of a six-page summary given to more than a hundred people who attended the public presentation of the findings on the first week of May. While the handout did not state exactly why Dabawenyos said they were happy at the time of the survey, the paper hinted it in the high levels of satisfaction and optimism that the residents expressed declared on a “wide range of topics and issues both of particular and general interests to the people of Davao City, such as economic trends indicators, wealth creation, self-rated poverty, financial situation, environment, peace and order, governance, identities…”

The social survey was conducted among 632 adults in the three (congressional) districts and 12 (administrative) sub-districts of the city with plus 4 percent sampling error and 95 percent level of significance. All the interviews were done face-toface with respondents.

SWS-assisted In conducting what they call “City-Wide Social Survey 1 (CWSS-1),” the URC was assisted by the Social Weather Stations-Philippines (SWS-P), particularly in training of personnel, researchers and data-gatherers in its initial stage, and in the sharing of questions that have become part of the first social survey in Davao City.

Dr. Mahar Mahangas, SWS-P president, himself, was present during the sharing of the survey findings with the public. In that event, Dr. Mangahas cited the importance of democratizing opinion surveys wherein all the classes of people are represented, saying that limiting the opinion poll to the ruling elite is tantamount to tyranny.

Thumbs up for Rody As in similar opinion surveys on local governance, Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte came out the rock star of sort in the handling of law and order in the city. According to the handout, Duterte “remains the runaway favorite among local government officials by getting an overwhelming thumbs up for his handling of the city’s general peace and order situation.” Duterte got an approval rating of 90 percent, an uncanny similarity to the percentage of Dabawenyos who said they were happy.

Demographic profile “A great majority of the respondents have completed high school,” the study findings said, “ followed by an even number of those who have attained college degree and those who have, at least, gone through college education.”

The report said that an overwhelming number of respondents registered their ethnicity as

Bisaya. Majority of them (61 percent) are married, while for those who declared themselves with no spouse or partner, a little below half (47 percent) have never married, and slightly above a quarter or 27 percent were widows or widowed.

A little over half (51 percent) claimed that they have a job, and yet a little more than a third (36 percent) said that though they have a job before, they are presently out of the labor force.

Wealth creation Nine of every 10 residents are very optimistic about the economic growth of the city. Davao City, they said, is able to provide employment, with a good number respondents (87 percent) said that finding a job in Davao city is easier than anywhere in the country. Almost the same percentage of respondents ( 85 percent) believe that ordinary people have an easier time looking for employment in the city than anywhere else.

Enjoyment of the city’s much improved infrastructure and services is very high—90 percent of respondents said so. Bridges got the nod of 96 percent, followed very closely by roads, water utility, and transportation services (all at 94 percent), and public hospitals, public parks, garbage disposal and emergency services (all at 93 percent). The rest are not far behind, with both canals and waterways and electric power at 92 percent. (The survey was conducted prior to the implementation of rotational power outages by the Davao light and Power Company).

Self-rated poverty “An overwhelming 82 percent perceived themselves to be on the poverty line, with only 3 percent claiming to be not poor...”

In the three months, 26 percent of the respondents claimed that their income is not enough relative to their actual spending, and yet 41 percent answered that their income is just enough. Of the respondents surveyed, only 13 percent declared that they are able to save from what they earned.

When the respondents were asked about their financial situation in the next three months, 29 percent projected that they will earn less than what will be spent, and 49 percent of them said that they will earn just about the same.

Environment concerns enerally, the majority of G the respondents are not worried about environmental catastrophes (69%), as opposed to only slightly above 30 percent who do. In which case, environmental catastrophes overwhelmingly translate into flooding(s) (as the most commonly cited), with both instances of earthquakes and storm surges registering at a distant second. Landslides and mudslides barely cause worries, much less cyclones and tsunamis.

In the context of having personally experienced these environment-related catastrophes, 77 percent claimed that they have been through these experiences already, as opposed to only 23 percent who declared they haven’t. In which case, these personal encounters most often centered on flood(s) or

flooding(s). Most (67 percent ) claimed that they have stayed in temporary evacuation, while a third (33%) have not. Despite their experiences of environmental disasters, majority (71 percent) don’t know if their neighborhood has been officially declared as a disaster risk area.

Majority of the respondents (92 percent) said that they know about tsunamis and about low pressure areas (73 percent). Interestingly enough, knowledge and awareness of storm surges came out high (71 percent), which might have been influenced by the continuing round of discussions that emanated across all media regarding the experience during Typhoon Yolanda in 2013.

In the area of mobilizing community-based responses to environmental disasters, only 8% claimed they that have organized. Using multiple responses, the respondents were asked to cite their common household preparations when it comes to dealing with emergencies. Candles and flashlights come in handy, as these registered the most number of responses, followed by food and water. They also relied on news updates on the radio as part of their preparation.

A little less than half of them (45 percent) are aware of disaster early warning system, compared to 52 percent who claimed that they are aware of a disaster response system. Majority of them ( 76 percent) claimed that they are not aware of some emergency evacuation drill. It’s not surprising that only 24 percent attend disaster preparedness training.

As to the officials and organizations who are primarily expected to assume responsibility in times of disaster, 61 percent claimed that it should be the officials at the barangay level, followed by those at the city government at 24 percent. There is a strong clamor for coordination at the level of the local government unit (LGU) in times of disaster (78 percent ), particularly when it comes to facilitating relief operations. Even more so, there is a resounding clamour for readiness in complying with mandatory orders (98 percent) when disaster strikes.

In view of these realities, the respondents strongly agreed that there should be cooperation within and among local initiatives (90%) when it comes climate change management.

Davao City gets a thumbs up for the quality of its water (78percent ) and air (62%); general cleanliness is also very affirming at 71%.

Peace and order Dabawenyos generally have an idea of what peace and order means and what it implies. It is basically defined as an absence of the following social conditions: Illegal drug trafficking, juvenile delinquency and violence crimes.

These top three responses are consistent with what

they perceived to be threats to peace and order situations such as illegal drug trafficking, violence crimes, as well as terrorism (with gangs and juvenile delinquency coming in fourth). At any rate, they are very worried (91 percent) about crimes and/or threat to crimes in the city, in the same manner that they worry about extra-judicial killings (69 percent), illegal drug transactions (66 percent), illegal drugs and illegal drug trafficking (65 prcent), and terrorism and bomb threat (54 percent).

They have a better approximation of the decreasing crime rate in Davao City (47 percent) as opposed to that of Mindanao (26 percent), in general. In the same manner, they also have a better appreciation of the improving peace and order situation in the city itself (60 percent), as opposed to that of Mindanao, garnering only a little below 30 percent.

In measuring their level of satisfaction on the handling of peace and order situation by law enforcement authorities in the city, they affirmed a total of 77 percent satisfaction index for the police, and an even bigger percentage (83 percent) for Task Force (TF) Davao.

The respondents were asked about their willingness to cooperate in the observance of the city’s more controversial (and even pioneering) local ordinances. All strongly agreed responses were posted at above 50 percent, marking the respondents’ high cooperation index. Topping the list are the following: The banning of firecrackers (90 percent) which is a first in the country, followed by the liquor ban (74 percent), reduction of speed limit (70 percent) implemented only fairly recently, garbage segregation (69 percent) and anti-smoking (68 percent) which has been enforced for over a decade already. The willing cooperation of the citizens of Davao on the enforcement of these local ordinances show a great deal of goodwill and support for the local government exercising a strong political will on issues that matter to ordinary citizens of the city.

CAB perception Does the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) get a fair hearing among Dabawenyos? It may well be remembered that the historic CAB was signed in the later part of March this year, but the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) already became part of the consciousness of Mindanawons when it was signed on 15th October 2012 by this current government and its counterpart in the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace panel. As to the survey result, more than half of the respondents (57 percent) cited that they are aware of it, getting their information mostly on television.

Generally, they agreed that the CAB will improve the peace and order situation in Mindanao (registering a total

response of 70%), the economy (71%), even improving the livelihood not only the Muslims (78 percent) but also of the Christians and Lumads (at 70 perccent each).

Issues on governance Most Dabawenyos (61 percent) are satisfied (between the qualifier very and somewhat) with the performance of the President of the Philippines, Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III. Similarly, the national government also gets high marks in this area. Compared to the country’s chief executive though, the senate gets only a 45 percent satisfaction nod in terms of their performance as the nation’s top policy-makers. In contrast, the congress performed better, with a little above half (53 percent) of the respondents posting a satisfaction rate.

A resounding majority (89 percent) are satisfied with the performance of the city mayor; surprisingly, or perhaps even unsurprisingly, the same percentage of people also gave the vice mayor a satisfaction rate. Both the city council and the city administration, in general, were given a satisfaction rating of 83 percent .

More than half of the Dabawenyos (54 percent) observed the principle of subsidiarity because they believe that the city government— over and above the national government, or even the government at the barangay level—is the topmost organization responsible in solving the crime of drugs, posted earlier as the primary problem faced by the city.

In the allocation of the city budget, the respondents posted—using multiple answers—their top five responses: Education, health, disaster management, security and employment, though food also came in very closely at the 6th spot. As regard the national budget, respondents cited the same, in the following order: Education, health, disaster management, infrastructure, and employment, with food (again) occupying a close 6th spot.

There’s a seeming disparity as regard the respondents’ perception of the influence that they exercise, hence, bearing on the issue of political efficacy. More than three forth of them (77 percent) agreed that they see themselves exercising personal influence, and yet three percent below that number at The majority of the respondents (88 percent) agreed that the city budget is appropriately allocated according to the people’s needs, with all of the ratings showing a high level of trust in the city government’s capacity to deliver goods and services to its constituencies.

The following conditions render highly positive affirmations for Davao City’s LGU in the delivery of important social services: In times of fire, medical emergencies, relief operations, and violent outbreaks in the community,

all posting an agreed rate at 94 percent; natural disasters (93 percent), bomb threat (92 percent), violence against women and children (91 percent), and hostage-taking (89 percent). Indeed, these are consistently high marks.

In contrast, the national government’s capacity to do the same are rated in the following order: In times of natural disaster and relief and rescue operations (both at 89 percent), epidemic (88 percent), civil unrest (84 percent), national territorial disputes, the likes of which are the disputes surrounding the Spratlys, as well as threat to food security (both posted at 83 percent). Though these are still consistently high rates and highly affirming, the city government fared better than the national government as can be gleaned from the results.

The city government again is perceived to be better able to ensure that criminal elements are held liable for their wrongdoings (91 percent), while the national government is seen to be not too far behind at 87 percent.

It’s interesting to point out that, side by side with each other, it’s the local government that gets a much better approval rating than the national government in many areas of governance.

Identities This is the portion of the survey that garnered such reverberatingly high responses: That is, respondents answered very positively. A total of 95 percent agreed that the Lumads, or members of the indigenous peoples (IPs), as well as the elderly and the specially abled persons or persons with disability (PWD) are treated very well among local citizens.

Christians received an extraordinarily high treatment, with an answer posted as high as 98 percent, the highest rate so far in the survey.

Treatment of Muslims, on the other hand, tailed by only two percent (at 96 percent).

Likewise, women are treated very highly among Dabawenyos at 97 percent, and the members of the lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders (LGBT) community also received a very high rating at 91 percent.

That the city council passed a local ordinance on anti-discrimination, including a more localized form of the same at the barangay level, may have been largely credited for such remarkable and consistently high marks, indeed.

During the presentation of the study findings, Fr. Joel Tabora, ADdU president, assured the researchers of the continued support of the university to their projects.

The report on the survey was prepared by M. Isabel S. Actub, Ms. Lourdesita Sobrevega-Chan, Ms. Mildred M. Estanda and Dr. Christine Diaz, for the URC who were also on hand to answer questions from those who attended.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 45 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 18-19, 2014

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EDGEDAVAO

THE BIG NEWS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 45 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 18-19, 2014

DOST intensifies drive for strong communities

By ChEnEEn R. CApon

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crc@edgedavao.net

OREARMED is forewarned.

Empowering communities and making the people informed and prepared are the main tools in disaster situations, according to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

Having set up an internet-based information system, the DOST has escalated their efforts by distributing tablets in remote towns where internet is not available. Real-time update to weather and other geological information may still be accessed with the DOST plan to give out tablets to municipalities nationwide.

DOST project leader for Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazard (NOAH) Dr. Carlo Primo C.

David said that the budget for this project is allocated, but he failed to as to how much.

However, the agency is targetting to disburse the tablets containing access to the Pag-Asa and NOAH website this year.

“We originally planned to start the distribution before the typhoon season starts this August but we still do the purchasing of tablets,” David told Edge Davao during a press conference for the “Iba na ang Panahon” forum at the Grand Regal Hotel yesterday.

He said that it will be distributed to about 1,400 municipalities across the country and they will start

DIaloGUe. Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte discusses with the Makabayan coalition led by Satur Ocampo the alleged human rights violations committed by military troops against the people living in the hinterlands of Talaingod and Paquibato during a dialogue at the Grand Men Seng Hotel in Davao City Friday night. Also in photo listening to Duterte is ACT Teachers Partylist representative Antonio Tinio. Lean Daval Jr.

aIDs cases rising despite Palace asks CHED to monitor unreasonable tuition fee hike massive info campaign M

ALACANANG on Thursday directed the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to ensure that there will be no unreasonable tuition fee increase in private universities and colleges.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said that while some tuition fee hikes are inevitable, the CHED should ensure that the guidelines and requirements provided by the law on tuition fee increase should be met.

“Kaya ang titingnan nating katuwiran, paano ba ‘yung level of tuition fee

FDosT, 10

compared to the quality of education being given by the college or university, be it state-owned or private. Iyan ang mga mahalagang batayan ng CHED sa pag-approve o pag-disapprove ng tuition fee hike,” he said.

The commission has reported that 353 private universities and colleges, 74 of which are in Metro Manila, have filed petitions for an increase in tuition and other fees this coming school year.

Coloma said every tuition fee increase should be justified, transparent and

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By ARMAnDo B. FEnEQUito jR. abf@edgedavao.net

T

HE cases of Human Immunodeficiency Virus / Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) in the Philippines continue to rise despite massive information drive on the risk of the dreaded virus.

According to the record of National Epidemiology Center of the Department of Health (NEC-DOH) as of March this year, there are 1,432 HIV positive cases, 146 of which were reported as full-blown AIDS cases.

Ninety eight percent or 143 are males and two percent or three are females. The age bracket of these patients ranged from 18 to 63 years old. The 99 victims acquired the infection through sexual contact (77 homosexual, 52 bisexual and 16 heterosexual) and one acquired through the use of injecting drug.

The record states that from 1984 to 2014, there were 1,652 AIDS cases reported, 83 percent or 1,364 of the victims are males and

17 percent or 288 are females.

Of all reported AIDS cases, the record says that sexual contact was the most common mode of HIV transmission, accounting for 95 percent or 1,577.

The 43 percent or 677 of sexual transmission were contracted through homosexual contact, followed by heterosexual contact with 592 cases and bisexual contact with 308 cases.

In Davao Region, there are there are 20 cases of

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DREAM to prioritize DavOr east coasttowns

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all aboUT MInDanao poweR CRIsIs. Davao Light and Power Company Senior Vice President and Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) trustee Arturo M. Milan (center) explains to businessmen and professionals the current power situation in Mindanao during a special general membership meeting on the Mindanao power crisis at Park Inn by Radisson Davao Friday afternoon. Also in photo are Eugene H. Bicar (seated, right), National Grid Corporation of the Philippines head for Mindanao Systems Operations, and assistant City Administrator lawyer Tristan Dwight Domingo who represented Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte. Lean Daval Jr.

HIV recorded. Seven of which were recorded as AIDS positive and 13 were have the suspected symptoms of the virus.

Of the 20, 19 are males and one female. The mode of transmission of the virus is bisexual contact which has five, heterosexual which has one and homosexual which has 14 cases.

The age groups of the victims, six were from 1524 years, nine from 25-34 years and five from 35-49

AST Coast towns of Davao Oriental will become the priority areas in Region-XI of the Disaster Risk Exposure Assessment for Mitigation (DREAM) Program implementation within the next three years, DREAM program leader, Dr. Enrico Paringit this morning said.

In a press conference, Dr. Paringit said the six rivers in the Davao Oriental towns of Baganga, Cateel and Boston will be prioritized in the next-three year implementation of DREAM as flooding in these areas were noted widespread in January this year when a low pressure area (LPA) hit the east coast of Davao

Oriental.

As mass of debris was flushed downstream in the rivers of these areas and water levels became shallow, “there will be more incidents of flooding, Dr. Paringit said.

Major rivers in Compostela Valley, the rivers in Tagum of Davao del Norte and the Davao River in Davao City have already been covered under DREAM program.

Under the DREAM Program, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) will gather topographic data in floodprone areas to project occurrences of floods using the Light Imaging Detection and Ranging (LIDAR)

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5 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 45 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 18-19, 2014

Increased investments needed for poverty reduction -- neDa I

ncreaSIng investments from employers to generate high-quality and remunerative employment is vital in achieving rapid poverty reduction towards inclusive growth, according to the national economic and Development authority (neDa). economic Planning Secretary arsenio M. Balisacan told participants of the 35th national conference of employers that while poverty incidence in the first half of 2013 has remarkably improved, more needs to be done to substantially reduce poverty and ensure inclusivity.

“The generation of remunerative employment remains a big challenge in the country. Data show that the rate of employment generation has not kept pace with the labor force growth such that there is still a large stock of the unemployed,” he said in a speech delivered by neDa Deputy Director-general rolando g. Tungpalan during the event at the Marriott Hotel, Pasay city.

However, Balisacan not-

ed that more concern must be directed toward the creation of high-quality jobs that provide adequate income for the Filipino workforce, rather than the quantity.

He then outlined the strategies being done to accelerate job creation and to improve labor and employment situation in the country.

“These strategies include continuous build-up of capital, promotion of priority sectors, stable macroeconomic fundamentals, investment in research and development in the agriculture, industry and services sectors, and reducing the cost of doing business,” said Balisacan, who is also neDa Director-general. also, Balisacan explained to the employers the country’s need for greater support for economic sectors with high growth potentials.

“Investing in manufacturing, tourism, information technology-business process management (IT-BPM), construction, logistics, and agribusiness can provide remunerative jobs for a great number of the poor,” he said.

Under the Philippine

FIXeD. An exhibitor fixes her display of native products at the exhibit area during the last day of Philbex(Philippine Building Construction Exposition) Davao at SMX Convention Center. Lean Daval Jr. Development Plan 20112016 Midterm Update, the government aims to reduce the unemployment rate from 7.0 percent in 2012 to 6.5 to

6.7 percent in 2016. an improvement in the quality of employment will also be reflected through a reduction in underemployment rate from

the current 20.0 percent to about 17.0 percent in 2016.

“We hope that the employers’ confederation of the Philippines would continue

supporting us in our efforts to generate high-quality and remunerative employment that is key to rapid poverty reduction,” Balisacan concluded.

6 THE ECONOMY

VOL. 7 ISSUE 45 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 18-19, 2014

agriculture gives little to philippine growth

By BEnigno D. pECzon

P

HILIPPINE agriculture is growing at an anemic rate.

And that's unfortunate because the Philippines is an agricultural country: one in three Filipinos work in farms. And agriculture accounts for about 12 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

From 1989 to 2009, according to the World Bank, Philippine GDP has grown at an average of 3.61 percent yearly.

However, agriculture has contributed little to the GDP. The Gross Value Added (GVA) by crops, which has contributed roughly half to GVA within those two decades, grew only by an annual average of 2.42 percent.

Fisheries, the next largest contributor to GVA, was a positive marginal contributor, growing an annual average of 3.68 percent.

Livestock and poultry, the third largest contributor to GVA, grew substantially. However, its contribution to GVA grew by an annual average of 3.22 percent, below the GDP average growth.

The “Philippine Agriculture 2020” report of the National Academy of Science and Technology lists strategies to increase agricultural

productivity.

One of these is the use of modern technology. Genetically modified (GM) corn principally involving integration of Bacillus thuringensis genes, developed abroad, has been planted in the Philippines since 2002.

By 2013, around 800,000 hectares – or about 70 percent of the 1.2 million hectares planted to yellow corn annually – had been planted to GM corn.

Since GM corn yields much higher than non-GM corn, this adoption of a modern technology has had a tremendous effect in stabilizing corn prices and supply.

Corn being a major component of animal feed, the animal industry got a boost. In 2014, in part because of this success story, the Philippines exported corn silage.

This success story was achieved without subsidy to farmers who willingly paid for high-cost GM seeds to obtain the substantially higher yields.

Local researchers have developed a similar technology based on the integration of genes from Bacillus thuringensis to create a Bt eggplant which is resistant to borers. In May 2013, the Court of Appeals issued a “Writ of Kalikasan”

to terminate field trials on the genetically modified Bt eggplant.

In October 2013, Bangladesh allowed the commercial planting of Bt eggplant. The actual planting was held in January 2014 with the lady Minister of Agriculture Matia Chowdhury distributing the seedlings to farmers. In that country, this will result not only in higher production

yield per unit area, it will also substantially reduce the consumption of pesticides which are needed in the traditional farming methods to produce eggplants.

Another strategy which “Philippine Agriculture 2020” considered is good governance. The Supreme Court ruled in January 2012 that the Coconut Levy Funds are owned by the

government in trust for coconut farmers and are to be used only for the benefit of coconut farmers and the development of the coconut industry.

While the Administration created a committee to determine how to utilize the Coco Levy Funds, not a single centavo has been released more than 27 months after the Supreme Court ruling and more than

and Ghangzhou are located (storm surge, cyclonic winds, floods).

With 37 million inhabitants living under the threat of earthquakes, monsoons, river floods and tsunami, the Tokyo-Yokohama region is No. 1 on the list.

“For the first time in human history more people live in cities than in rural areas,” says the Zurich-based reinsurer, noting that many of these cities are on the coast that are threatened by floods, storms, earthquakes and other natural hazards.

“The vibrancy of these cities is a key driver for economic development.

However, the growing concentration of people, assets and infrastructure also

means that the loss potential in urban areas is high and rising.

“At the same time the gap between economic and insured losses is large because insurance penetration is relatively low and city infrastructure often not insured at all.”

In what Matthias Weber, Group Chief Underwriting Officer, calls “a comprehensive analysis of natural disaster risk locations” worldwide, Swiss Re’s report focuses on the most severe natural disasters confronting 616 of the world’s largest urban areas and assesses the potential impact they have on local residents and the wider economy.

The report observes that while natural catastro-

phes caused average economic losses of $60 billion to $100 billion annually, a single large-scale disaster in the heart of a big metropolitan center can surpass these figures significantly.

Eight out of the ranking's 10 most heavily exposed urban communities are all in East Asia, with the Pearl River Delta (17.2 million people potentially affected), Tokyo-Yokohama (14.1 million) and Manila (12.6 million) at the top.

Besides being exposed to frequent tropical cyclones and storm surges, many cities in the region are also located in zones of high seismic activity, including Tokyo, Taipei and Manila.

With close to 30 million people potentially affected,

the metropolitan area of TokyoYokohama in Japan is by far the most earthquake-exposed community in the rankings. Cities threatened by earthquakes are Jakarta (population: 17.7 million) and Manila (16.8 million), followed by Los Angeles (14.7 million) and Osaka-Kobe (14.6 million).

Less obvious is that while Los Angeles and San Francisco are widely considered at high risk of earthquakes, they are – from a national perspective – lower ranked than cities like Manila and Lima.

Fewer metropolitan areas are exposed to heavy damage from storms than by earthquakes or floods.

The cities potentially most

Secretary of Agriculture Proceso J. Alcala (middle) and two Bukidnon indigenous tribesmen, Martin Ilaga and Mentilio Bajao three decades after the funds were collected from farmers.

If the P70 billions which constitute the Coconut Levy Funds are utilized through transparent and timely good governance, those funds or even only the interest generated from those funds will give the poorly performing coconut industry a much needed shot in the arm. [SciPhil]

Manila is world’s 2nd most risky city

M

ANILA is the second riskiest city in the world, Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd. (Swiss Re) reports.

Swiss Re, the world’s second-largest reinsurer, ranks Manila as one of the riskiest cities threatened by earthquakes and high winds – just behind Tokyo-Yokohama in Japan.

The world's riskiest cities in the list are, from No. 10: Tehran, Iran (earthquakes); Los Angeles, United States (earthquakes); Shanghai, China (floods); Kolkata, India (floods); Nagoya, Japan (tsunami); Jakarta, Indonesia (earthquakes); Osaka-Kobe, Japan (earthquakes); Pearl River Delta, China, where Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Dongguan, Macau

affected by high wind speeds are located along the coastlines of Asia, such as Tokyo-Yokohama, Manila, Taipei and the Pearl River Delta.

Flood risk threatens more people than any other natural catastrophe.

This is because like East Asia’s sprawling urban-rural areas, most other major cities developed along the sea and natural waterways such as lakes and rivers Across the 616 metropolitan areas included in the report, river flooding poses a threat to over 379 million residents. That is more than the 283 million inhabitants potentially affected by earthquakes and the 157 million people at risk from strong winds.

[SciPhil]

7 ENVIRONMENT

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 45 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 18-19, 2014

el niño to spawn violent typhoons – paGasa T

YPHOONS could become violent this year because of the El Niño weather.

El Niño doesn't mean just drought; it could bring strong tropical cyclones, said Dr. Landrico U. Dalida, Deputy Director for Operations of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

This is because hotter temperatures than normal have been observed over the Pacific, causing more evaporation and thus condensation, bringing more rains in the Central Pacific, a mix that could spawn stronger typhoons, he explained.

“Westerly winds will get stronger because of the effect of El Niño and typhoons normally tend to shift northwards, to-

wards Northern Luzon,” he told Malaya Business Insight.

The Sea Surface Temperature Anomaly in the Central Equatorial and Eastern Pacific has been observed at .4 for over three months now, since January to April 23014. It is approaching the threshold value of 0.5 degrees Celsius of Sea Surface Temperature Anomaly. By June, it will hit .5 degrees Celsius, and that will be the onset of El Niño, Dalida said.

“After five months, by October and November, the Sea Surface Temprature Anomaly is expected to be at its peak, resulting in less rainfall in the Philippines. “We expect the El Niño to last for nine months until the first quarter of 2015.”

Drought will

most likely start by June, PAGASA announced in early May. The weather will transition to El Niño in the middle of the year, said PAGASA's Thelma A. Cinco,head of PAGASA's Impact Assessment and Application Section, Climatology and Agrometreology Division, adding a “fully developed” El Niño is highly possible by December.

In the Philippines, El Niño brings dry weather and drought while La Niña means more rains, typhoons and floods.

“The termination of the northeast monsoon particularly during the last week of March signaled the start of warm and humid conditions in the country,” Cinco said.

In between, violent typhoons may occur, said Dalida. SciPhil

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EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

VOL. 7 ISSUE 45 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 18-19, 2014

EDITORIALS Most vulnerable

S

IX of Davao City’s more than 180 barangays are tagged as most vulnerable to disasters brought about by the climate whose patterns are getting crazier every day.

Arcel dela Cruz, ecosystems researcher of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Region 11, named them to newsmen as Talomo, Matina Aplaya, Matina Crossing, Matina Pangi, Maa and Tigatto. Note that except for Tigatto and Maa, the four other barangays are contigious. Logically, their configuration should make it easier for planners and implementors to draw a more doable strategic plan for the prevention and mitigation of natural disasters caused by climatic disruptions. Note, likewise, that all most

vulnerable barangays are close to the city proper, an indication that any catastrophe that would befall them would be more damaging, considering the higher value of the properties therein. This is aside from the fact that they are thickly populated, meaning more lives are imperiled every time there is disaster.

Now, the ball is in the court of the city officials, so it is up to them what steps to make to cushion the impact of disasters on these places. The city has funds and plans to confront the vagaries of nature and the people expect them to do the right things for the good of all. With sincere prayers to the Almighty, let’s wish each other good luck!

W

ing, was Eriberto “Bert” Barriga Jr. also passed away days ago. Bert, a civil engineer, who was once a correspondent of ABS-CBN in the Middle East, was always ready to provide information and give interviews to reporters and media establishments about the vibrant IT industry.

Not too long ago, three other prominent personalities, all lawyers, also faced their creators. They are Charlemagne Aldevera, former city OIC mayor Zafiro Respicio and Joel Babista. Their passing remind us of our own mortality and life’s being short and uncertain. We pray for the eternal repose of their souls.

Goodbye, friends

E note with sadness the passing this summertime of many Dabawenyos, close friends, newsmakers in their own rights and some media practitioners themselves.

The media men are Ramon M. Maxey, Edge Davao’s Ombudsman and editorial consultant, Rodrigo “Ody” Gajitos, Edge Davao’s sports correspondent, and radioman Emmanuel “Dondon” Oliverio who died 17 years after suffering a stroke.

Another friend of the media, who was very articulate especially on the subject of information technology and business process outsourc-

EDGEDAVAO

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

GENERAL OFFICE SANTOS CITY CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING OFFICE CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING OLIVIA D. VELASCO OLIVIA D. VELASCO RICHARDRICHARD C. EBONAC. EBONA SOLANI D. MARATAS SOLANI D. MARATAS MARKETING OFFICE | Marketing Manager General Manager General ManagerMarketingAdvertising Supervisor SpecialistFinance FinanceLEIZEL A. DELOSOLEIZEL A. DELOSO | MarketingFLOREnCE ManagerS. ViLLARin

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G

VOL. 7 ISSUE 45 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 18-19, 2014

played-out piece of observation

ROWING SENSE OF PUBLIC DISGUST AND HATRED – Distrust of the people is ingrained in those who hold power.

With the swelling of interlocking problems, the irate and disgusted public is fuming. This time they say the government cannot make just cosmetic changes.

Political analysts and economic experts noted that after months of stalemate, the Aquino administration instead of making steps forward started backpedalling. Reform, real fundamental reform of the country’s socio-economic and political status look set to be a long, tough process because there’s no change in government’s basic position.

Crisis of confidence continues to deepen and resentment and anger have been building against the present dispensation. That is why cross sections in society continue to protest blaming the President of surrounding himself of people whose primary qualification was loyalty and close association, not competence, expertise and experience for the job.

We’re not surprised that people are tired and exhausted of the endless promises made by the government. The Aquino administration cannot avoid a string of protests action if it will continue to ignore the public’s grievances. In a government setting Philippine-style, choosing people to handle crucial posts for loyalty, friendship, or political accommodation may seem unavoidable, but too often, the country pays dearly for it.

Of course, there are exceptions, few of them do rise to the occasion and are performing reasonably well.

This may come off as a played-up piece of observation, but still people should never get tired of looking forward to a reformed socio-economic and political landscape. We can’t be complacent that all current officials – appointed or otherwise will logically do

their assigned tasks. To the appointing authority who has chosen the wrong people in sensitive posts, it isn’t too late. There’s still a chance that the underperforming agencies can be saved in their present forms.

What it needs is to start looking for other competent and capable performers.

THE BEST THE COUNTRY CAN HOPE FOR – A number of prominent economists and a small but increasingly vocal group of observers which is sometimes spiked with ardent critics insist that the real solution to the nation’s impending economic problems is economic fixes currently capturing attention. There is no such thing as a never-ending growth therefore what is needed is structural reform designed to remove governmental barriers to free market competition at the domestic level.

Theories and the rules of logic suggest that economic problems besetting any developing country like the Philippines are only temporary consequences of reforms.

Right now, economic analysts and financial experts argue that government people are just treating the symptoms temperately and just applying it with “band-aid” solutions because the country’s productivity woes are largely the result of alleged obsolete policy decisions. But what is needed actually is a committed financial reform movement that could maintain the status quo.

However, when it comes to fiscal change the government suffers from what can be called a productivity problem of

its own. As the population begins bloating dramatically in the years ahead the country’s productivity crisis will become even starker, as workers will have to perform even more work and more efficiently to maintain the same standard of living. The problem is that in purely economic terms, it is widely believed that increased productivity will lead to permanently high unemployment rate.

Many commentators and opinion makers including leaders of different progressive labor groups claim that high unemployment is unacceptable even if it is only a temporary consequence of reform. For one thing, they emphasized that higher productivity actually leads to lower prices, which spurs increased consumption and requires increased production – and of course, more jobs.

Some renowned economists and financial managers likewise noted that another factor holding back the government to implement drastic monetary reforms is the acknowledgement from all affected parties that it would almost certainly bring about lots of long-term pain, including numerous bankruptcies and high unemployment.

There’s no doubt the country’s economic structure still needs a lot of improvement despite a much-ballyhooed improving growth rate, but they further observed that people are afraid of the cost fearing that the result might turn out to be opposite.

With structural reform in mind, the experts say the country may manage to settle into a kind of well-off status and probably reach a positive level, and finished as an economic achiever before 2014 ends. Experts predicted that the high-growth story in the Philippines is about to come and has already been knocking at our doorstep and a long-run GDP growth rate of 6.5% is probably the best the country can hope for.

growth rates and its relatively low debt ratio.

“The most important item of export from the Philippines to the EU are electronics, but other manufacturers and agricultural products are increasing their share (including coconut oil, fruits, and fish),” the economist said. “Services exports to the EU are dominated by transportation, travel services and IT services.

The services trade between the Philippines and the EU fluctuates and shows no tendency for surplus or deficit,” he added.

Other major EU- Philippines economic growth factors can be attributed to tourism and remittances from overseas Filipinos in EU countries.

“It is not easy to exactly determine the effect of conditions in the EU on the Philippine economy, because there are many factors involved, including the Philippine banks’ balance sheets and their exposure to the Eurozone, which do not seem to have posed major problems,” Briguglio said.

He noted that debt-to-GDP ratios of

countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) were not too high, making these countries more resilient. “The ASEAN as a whole is the EU’s third largest trading partner outside Europe (after the US and China) with more than €206 billion of trade in goods and services in 2011,” Briguglio said.

The largest investor in the ASEAN countries is the EU, with around €10 billion invested annually on average during the 2000-2012 period.

Briguglio noted with a stark observation how developing countries like the Philippines were able to stave off the effects of the European crisis: “The lesson here is that countries that used to teach developing countries how to behave, themselves misbehaved,” Briguglio said.

The forum was the third Pulong Saliksikan seminar of Briguglio at PIDS. The seminar series aims to give an opportunity to PIDS researchers and visiting experts to present their papers and research findings.

philippine economy to benefit from eU recovery

R

ECOVERY in the European Union (EU) will boost the Philippine economy given strong trade and investment relations between the two.

In a recent forum organized by state think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), Prof. Lino Briguglio of the Department of Economics, University of Malta, noted that “economic conditions in the EU are likely to have an effect on the Philippine economy, given that the EU is an important trade partner and a major FDI (foreign direct investment) contributor.”

The Philippines enjoys a trade surplus with the EU, he said. Total EU FDI stock reached just under €8 billion in 2011, making the bloc the largest investment partner of the Philippines. EU FDI accounted for about 30percentof the Philippines’ FDI stock, Briguglio said.

Briguglio, who is also director of the Small States Network for Economic Development of his university, noted how the Philippines was able to absorb the shocks that arose from the Eurozone crisis, as evidenced by its solid economic

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Fighting for the future of conservatism COMMENTARY By nIcHolaS WaPSHoTT

B

(Conclusion)

OTH Reagan and Thatcher suggested that answers to political problems were to be found in texts. Both left their parties an inheritance of profound divisions between moderates and ultraconservatives. The fissures continue to run through the Republican Party, distracting from their primary purpose — winning elections — in favor of being content to lose rather than abandon ideological principles.

In Britain, after Tony Blair’s Labor Party took three elections in a row, the Tory warring factions papered over their differences.

The bitter disagreements over how to run the economy, over immigration and over Britain’s role in Europe still remain, however.

The failure of the fundamentalists within the British Conservative Party to represent the wishes of ultraconservative voters led to the rise of the populist Independence Party, with an anti-immigrant, anti-European Union, anti-establishment platform that threatens to drive the Conservatives to defeat in the general election next year.

The Republican Party finds itself in a similar dilemma, riven between old-school, pro-business conservatives who are moderate on such things as immigration reform and states’ rights, and the Tea Party, an angry, populist, grass-roots movement that holds to an anti-big business, anti-Wall Street, anti-immigration, pro-states’ rights agenda. All GOP candidates, particularly presidential wannabes, must be measured against this.

Devotion to dogmatism proved disastrous in the 2012 presidential primaries.

The Republican Party was presented with a number of candidates who would say or do just about anything to win approval from the vociferous Tea Party.

The establishment candidate, Mitt Romney, could not disguise the discomfort with which he was obliged to abandon his middle-ground positions, where most American voters feel comfortable. By Election Day, however, it was too late to recast himself as a moderate. He lost.

Fresh from their primary victory this month in North Carolina, establishment Republicans led by Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus are hoping to defang the Tea Party by limiting the number of televised presidential primary debates. They seek to limit the damage the divisive process does to the image of their nominee among general-election voters.

Already, Tea Party members smell a rat. They feel, with justification, they are being sold down the river, as they have so often been in the past. The stage is set for a post-2016 showdown in which the Tea Party either defeats the GOP establishment for good and conquers the commanding heights of the party – or, like Britain’s Independence Party, they break away and start fielding candidates of their own.

The complexion of the 2016 contest is therefore becoming clearer. Assuming that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton finally agrees to champion the Democrats, we can look forward to a prolonged campaign in which the main thrust of the Republican assault, irrespective of who wins the GOP primary race, will be Libya (Benghazi) and Lewinsky (Monica).

For Republicans, however, it is do or die. If they fail to win and Clinton serves two terms, the soul of the Republican Party will be up for grabs. Whether the moderates or the dogmatists win that final battle will determine the future of conservatism in the United States for decades to come.

10 NEWS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 45 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 18-19, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

palace...FFRoM 4 reasonable.

He noted that in tuition fee adjustments, 70 percent of the increase must be allotted to the salary and benefits of faculty and administrative personnel.

He added that the quality of education is commensurate to the quality of the faculty, thus teachers hold-

ing Master’s and Doctor’s degrees have the right to be compensated accordingly.

Those who cannot afford the tuition fee hike in private schools have an option to study in state universities and colleges, which are financed by the government, Coloma said. [PNA]

System, he said.

Aside from local rivers, the DREAM Program is targeted to cover the 18 major river basins in the Philippines, a component of which is to tell where and when floods will occur using the LIDAR system.

DOST needs to gather accurate data, among them is the topographic

area that can be obtained through a LIDAR system installed in an aircraft to take topographic images.

The data will be validated, then processed to create a model to create flood simulation which can give LGUs an idea on the extent of flooding that can possibly happen when heavy rains occur. [PIA 11/Jeanevive D. Abangan]

DReaM...FFRoM 4

notiCE oF LoSS

notice is hereby given by LoYoLA pLAnS ConSoLiDAtED inC. that CERtiFiCAtE oF FULL pAYMEnt no.(s) 1005513 under LoYoLA pLAn Contract no.(s) 294508-8/nnn707234560 issued to ESpERAnzA C. CASiAno was lost. Any transaction entered into shall be null and void.

5/19/26/6/2

notiCE oF LoSS

notice is hereby given by LoYoLA pLAnS ConSoLiDAtED inC. that CERtiFiCAtE oF FULL pAYMEnt no.(s) 21081580 under Loyola Contract no(s). 193839-3 issued to EVELYn jAMpAC 1002451 under Loyola Contract no(s). 30787-4 issued to RoMEo KEith C. LLAgUno 1003377 under Loyola Contract no(s).1120357-7 issued to ELizABEth C. gonzAgA were lost. Any transaction entered into shall be null and void.

5/12,19,26

LEgAL notiCE

hoG’s bReaTh. A trader takes newly-slaughtered pigs to Bangkerohan Public Market yesterday afternoon hoping to catch the afternoon rush of market shoppers. NJB

aIDs... FFRoM 4

years.

Dr. Jordana Ramiterre, head of the Reproductive Health and Wellness Center (RHWC) of the Davao City Health Office (CHO) the continuous increase of the cases is very alarming because despite of the information campaign on the danger of the virus it continuously increasing.

With the alarming numbers, last April 15, an official of DOH said in a press conference that health agency of the government is pushing for the amendment of Republic Act 8504 or the Philippine AIDS Prevention and Control Act of 1998 that will give way for mandatory HIV screening, especially to the identified high-risk groups.

The inquirer.net reported that the DOH has been mulling mandatory screening by health providers for patients who may be suspected to have HIV infection based on a risk-based assessment.

The report states that the high-risk groups identified by DOH as prone to AIDS and HIV are female sex workers, males having sex with males (MSMs), injecting drug users (IDUs), those who undergo surgery or operation, and pregnant women.

With the proposed

amendment of the present AIDS law which will allow the government to conduct a mandatory testing to the identified groups, some health professionals said that the proposal can make the AIDS victim more afraid to have the test because there might be discrimination on the part of these groups identified by DOH. For Rubyline B. Murga, Medical Technologist of Alexian Brothers Health and Wellness Center, the proposed amendment will already prejudge the identified groups and will give a negative stigma to them.

Murga cited an example of a gay patient from somewhere in North Cotabato who just came to their center just to have his HIV/AIDS screening. She narrated that the aunt of the patient opted to have his screening in the city because their group was tagged as AIDS carrier on their place. She said that the tagging of their group was made because one of the members of the group of her patient allegedly died due to AIDS. “Siya kay nagka skin disease lang or something na naay sakit gi note na dayon na naa siya’y HIV. Gi prejudge na dayon siya sa mga tao na wala pa’y check-up,” narrated Murga.

She said that because of the discrimination her aunt force him to have his checkup in the city to confirm the real health condition of her nephew.

The RHWC head affirmed the side of Murga that the mandatory testing to the identified groups can create a problem on the society because if there will be forced with it they will really resist on the testing.

Ramiterre stressed that the implication if there is a mandatory testing to these identified high-risk groups people might become more not ready to have the test.

She suggested that the government will just focus on the extensive prevention education instead of mandatory testing.

“We should exhaust prevention education sa mga schools and workplaces… to give everybody that kind of education to really know how they will be prevented,” she emphasized.

Ramiterre stressed that the government should totally implement the Philippine AIDS law so, that all agency will work together on the prevention education on HIV/AIDS. She said that it is stipulated in the law that the education drive is multi-sectoral which means that all sectors will be involved in the fight

against AIDS. For Melvin Borres, Executive Director of Mindanao AIDS Advocate Association Inc., the government should only focus on the distribution of Anti-RetroViral (ARV) medicines before they will resort to have a mandatory test.

Borres said that there is a problem on the distribution of medicines in Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) because of the delayed delivery of some ARVs. He said that there are some clients of HIV AIDS Core Team (HACT) treatment center in SPMC who took medicines even though not the ones prescribed.

Borres explained that once the treatment of the patients is delayed, the virus becomes more powerful being already immune with the medicine.

Borres said the delayed treatment or even the wrong combination of medicines could decrease the CD4 count of a person living with AIDS. According to aids.gov, CD4 or T-cells are the “generals” of the human immune system. These are the cells that send signals to activate your body’s immune response when they detect “intruders,” like viruses or bacteria.

Tagum-Liboganun river using a Lidar technology.

“Our software development started last year and it is ready now,” David added.

He said that the tablet, aside from providing access to all data in Pag-Asa and NOAH website, it can be also serve as a two-way communication tool.

“Personnel from the municipal level can directly send message to Pag-Asa center. They can report the weather condition in their

area or even ask us to send rescue team when needed,” he said. It contains allow acces David said that they are partnering with a telecommunication company that will be providing an internet connection through 3G if the municipality does not have internet connection.

While, DREAM program leader Dr. Enrico C. Paringit said that they are targeting to complete map out the 19 river basins in three years time. The flood inundation map will help barangay leaders to identify areas in their community that are vulnerable to flooding.

Paringit said that they will be here by August to conduct a mapping in six river basins in Davao Oriental that affects the flooding situation in Boston, Cateel and Baganga.

DOST 11 regional director Anthony C. Sales said earlier that two critical river basins in the region were already mapped out including the Davao River and Tagum-Ibunganun river.

This will prepare the LGUs of almost 100 barangays in the region that are vulnerable to river flooding.

On Davao City Even the most developed city in the Mindanao is not exempted to climate change.

In Davao City, Paringit said that Davao River is prone to up to one kilometer flooding on both side. If the city receives 200 mm of rain fall at a given time, river flooding may reach villages within the one kilometer radius.

This flooding may spans from Waan to Bucana.

While on an assess-

ment study conducted by the City Planning and Development Office and Department of Environment and Natural Resources, it revealed that six villages in the metro are at- risk of climate change.

Arcel dela Cruz, ecosystem researcher from DENR 11 said that for flooding are Talomo, Matina Pangi, Matina Aplaya, Matina Crossing and Maa because of Talomo River while the area of Tigatto is prone to rain-induced landslides.

Dela Cruz said that this assessment will be used for the Comprehensive Land Use Program of the city and on its final editing.

The study will reveal data on the possible number of the establishments and individuals that can be affected if the flooding and landslide happen.

notice is hereby given that the estate of the late RoniLo B. pALMA has been the subject of an EXtRA...FFRoM 4 jUDiCiAL SEttLEMEnt with the DosT on municipalities located critical river basins. special power of Attorney executed near“For Davao region, we will probably start in areas by his heirs per Doc. no.268; page near Surigao because of Agusan River,” he said, no. 54; Book no. XiV; Series of 2014 the while the Disaster Risk ExAssessment for Mitof the notARY pUBLiC iSRAELito posure igation (DREAM) project of DOST identified 19 critical river basins in the region p. toRREon including Davao river and 5/12/19/26

General Santos Drive, Koronadal City, South Cotabato 9506

Tel. No. 083-228-2511 ; Fax No. 083-228-2654

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BUS DRIVER

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Male, 28 – 40 years old 1. least Male, high 28 – school 40 years old At graduate 2. At least high school graduate With 5 years driving experience (bus, trucks) 3. With 5 years driving experience (bus, trucks)

Requirements: Requirements: 1. Driver’s License with Official Receipt 1.x Driver’s License (2 with Official Receipt 2. 2 2 I.D. picture pcs.)

2. 2 x 2 I.D. (2 pcs.) or clearance from 3. Certificate of picture Employment 3. Certificate of Employment or clearance from

May previous apply in employment person at Human Resource Department, YBLI in Office, General Santos Resource Drive, May apply person at Human Koronadal City.

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imaging of a flood-prone

EDGEDAVAO

ICT HUB

VOL. 7 ISSUE 45 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 18-19, 2014

CHILL JILL

Athena Jillian Bravo

L

ET’S admit it. Everyone dreams of owning a car.

It’s not as easy though.

Owning a car comes with the license to drive that car.

Otherwise, you will have to live as the eternal passenger or the backseat driver.

To drive that car, you need a license. To have a license, you have to pass the driver’s test.

Now that’s the hard part— passing the exam. It’s not like you can bribe anyone these days and get yourself a license without going through the examination stage and passing the tests.

So are you ready to take

the license exam? That’s the purpose of this new game app we are featuring this week. It’s called “School Driving 3D” and it’s the next best thing to a simulated driver’s exam.

Now, if you still don’t have any budget to enroll in a driving school you can try this game first. School Driving 3D is a real simulator where you’ll be able to learn the road rules and prove to everyone that you can drive in the real world environment.

It allows you to choose different vehicles like buses, trucks and even cool cars that you’ll use as you learn to drive in this virtual world. You’ll pass through more than 40 levels learning in different locations.

Learn to drive in a busy street, pitch dark roads and park your car perfectly at the parking lot.

There’s no doubt you’ll not learn from this game with its detailed interior inside each vehicle. You’ll be able to touch the steering wheel, press the signal buttons and everything you touch when you drive a real car.

If you wish to drive different vehicles in this game, you can also get a license for a school bus or a truck. How cool is that?

You won’t just enjoy this

game, you’ll also learn from it or at least have some knowledge you can use when you start to enroll in a driving school and drive real cars for the first time.

This game is now available both in the Android market and Itunes store with more than one million downloads and thousand high ratings.

This only means that this game

11

is really reliable unlike any driving games in the market.

Enroll now to School Driving 3D and learn the road rules you can use in the real world of cars and driving.

Intel: Tabs and 2-in-1s key drivers of mobility growth in PH G

Pictured above (from left to right) are Intel Philippines Business Development Manager Christopher Syling, Intel Philippines Market Development Manager Wowie Wong, Intel Philippines Country Manager Calum Chisholm, Intel Philippines Channel Platforms Manager Jason Ty, Intel Philippines Business Development Manager Carlo Subido, Intel Philippines Marketing Manager Randy Kanapi, and Intel Philippines Business Development Manager Lawrence Pedrajas.

LOBAL leader in computing innovation Intel recently held the Intel Mobility Day to showcase the latest host of devices for increased connectivity and productivity. This year, Intel is set to drive its solid line of tablet devices and full-performance 2-in-1s to provide consumers options at the best value.

According to Intel Philippines country manager Calum Chisholm, the tablet market in the Philippines continues to increase exponentially and is expected to post a 40 percent growth this year. As both multinational companies and local game changers present more choices in Android and Windows platforms, Intel’s technology will remain the

mark of excellence. Chisholm further adds that the company is working closely with its OEM partners to integrate its leading 64-bit technology to increase mobile performance and storage capacity.

To extend a more personal computing experience, Intel will also offer 2-in-1 devices that provide touch and type capabilities so that users can take advantage of the mobility of a tablet combined with the power of a laptop.

For more information, visit the official Intel Philippines website (http://www.intel. ph) or follow Intel Philippines on Facebook (https://www. facebook.com/IntelPhilippines) and Twitter (@IntelPilipinas).

Teleperformance receives 2nd PEZA award

T

ELEPERFORMANCE, the leading global provider of outsourced customer experience management services, has been awarded the Outstanding Community Project for the second consecutive year by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA). The recognition was conferred

by Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras, on behalf of President Benigno S. Aquino III, and PEZA Director General Lilia B. De Lima at the PEZA 19th Anniversary and Investors’ Recognition Night held at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

Travis Coates, Teleper-

formance Philippines Managing Director, accepted the award on behalf of the company. The PEZA Outstanding Community Project of the Year Award honors organizations that exemplify best practices through their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Teleperformance Philippines was recognized for its important role in helping rebuild lives of calamity survivors, advancing the welfare of many underserved sectors in the society, as well as protecting the environment through the company’s Citizen of the World and Citizen of the Planet CSR programs.

12 CLASSIFIED

VOL. 7 ISSUE 45 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 18-19, 2014

INdulge!

STYLE

VOL. 7 ISSUE 45 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 18-19, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

Pretty in pastels Dorothy Perkins Spring Summer 2014 This spring/summer Dorothy Perkins embraces two key looks: pretty and feminine pastels and geometric graphics with a sports luxe feel.

The pastel trend signals the return of femininity, combining sheer and lace textures with delicate organza details. separates are key for spring summer – whether it’s a midi skirt teamed with a dip- hem top or wide leg palazzo pants with a translucent blouse. Jacquard and lace pencil skirts are worn with a slub fit logo tee and a biker jacket. The midi length is a must have - whether in a sheer panel detail dress or printed skirts.

Co-ordinated sets in fresh whites and soft tones are worn together to create a ladylike chic silhouette, worn with metallic flat sandals or strappy heels with a fold over soft clutch to finish the look.

For casual wear, washed out denim is mixed with the soft pastel palette. simple tees are given an instant update with pretty embroidery and jacquard detailing. The summer sweat makes a playful return with fun logos and lace wording. Long-line blazers and fitted zip detail jackets are the perfect outerwear options and footwear classics like the flat brogue and simple court get a feminine make- over in sugar pastel colours and metallics.

The graphic trend combines minimalism and geometric prints for a relaxed easy to wear collection. Laser cut, asymmetric finishing and colour blocking are mixed with sheer panelling and midi length styles. The monochrome colour palette receives an injection of colour and the inclusion

of delicate floral prints.

The tailored high waisted shorts and dip-hem top make the ideal sports-luxe look along with the sheer sleeve bomber jacket and a structured neon mini cross body bag.

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

UP AND ABOUT

VOL. 7 ISSUE 45 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 18-19, 2014

EVENT

Case Logic, life simplified

Dyan Castillejo impartes her personal fitness beliefs.

Case Logic has a rich heritage that began by providing lasting, durable CD & DVD cases.

Today, with the advent of almost indispensable everyday gadgets, Case Logic offers a variety of innovative and functional solutions for all your favorite electronic gear.

Portable Hard Drive Case Your hard drive is fully portable in this ruggedly styled case.

Drive slides securely underneath the elastic band with its cords organized in the mesh slim pocket. The semi-rigid, ribbed exterior protects your hard drive from the other items in your bag. Now, how cool is that?

Reflexion DSLR + iPad Cross Body Bag A photo bag that is worth a thousand words – now there is something to capture! This trendsetting messenger defies the typical camera case by offering depths of protection in a cushioned pod with adjustable storage walls and also transforms easily into a modern, casual carry-all. The versatility, contemporary details and multi-purpose pockets and storage will keep you stylish and organized whenever you step out.

Messenger bag features a protective stash pocket for your tablet and removable camera pod stores DSLR camera, additional lens, flash or accessories. You will never go wrong with the Reflexion DSLR + iPad Cross Body Bag. Jaunt Backpack The sleek solution for an urbandweller looking to efficiently pack electronics along with daily essentials. An integrated compartment for your 15.6” Laptop, sleeve for your tablet and interior cord storage pocket keep your electronics on hand. Quick-access front pocket stores your most-used items while organizational panel keep your accessories arranged, no matter where the day takes you. The Jaunt backpack is all that an urbanite needs.

Protect your laptop, camera, tablet, smartphone, eReader, and more with nothing less than Case Logic. Visit Case Logic at the Cyberzone, 2nd Floor, Annex of SM City Davao.

Synchronize your style, always on Tomato Time WiTh Tomato’s vision of providing world-class yet affordable fashion pieces to its customers, a new brand subsidiary was born--TOMATO TiME. Rather than just timepieces, wristwatches are often considered as an essential FAShiON accessory that is both functional and stylish, fitting the lifestyle of the user.

Equipped with the elegance and sophistication that other high-end brands bring, what sets Tomato Time apart from them is the affordability of its products. The main selling point of the brand--affordable high-fashion timepieces for the smart and practical you!

Moms get fit, go shopping, and feel loved at Abreeza

FoR its Mother’s Day celebration, Abreeza Mall dedicated four days to making sure mom feels like a queen with a series of events that empower, energize, and show appreciation for the special women in our lives.

The Mompreneur Fair kicked off the celebration on May 8, 2014 at the Activity Center. it hailed the entrepreneurial abilities of Davao moms by showcasing products and services

by Florence Alejandre, Ning Dureza Uy, Jennifer Tan, Betty More, Agnes Acenas, Rowena Marie Tai, Mimi Tupas, Maybel Reyes, Desi subido, Tatiana Moran, Andrea Anonuevo, olive Puentespina, Monique Villanueva, Mia Floirendo, Kaye Fanlo, Baby Montemayor, Lenny Castillo, Juvey Fernandez, and Mae Alcantara.

Rounding out the exhibit were Abreeza Mall merchants offering health,

Davao moms offer a variety of products and services at the four-day Mompreneur Fair. beauty, wellness, food, limited revealed her perfashion, and appliance sonal fitness beliefs, and products to visiting moms even gave a live demonstration of the quick workand their families.

May 11, Mother’s Day, out routines that keep her was an active day for body trim.

Abreeza Mall unveiled moms as holiday Gym & spa hosted Fun Fitness at a novel way to express love the Activity Center, with on Mother’s Day through Dance Mix and Yoga ses- Reel Love, a campaign sions helping whip mom- across Ayala Malls namies into shape. sports tionwide that involves a and fitness icon Dyan booth where mall-goers Castillejo also appeared to get to share their love for inspire the mothers in the mom through 15-second audience to be summer- videos. From May 9 to fit and life-fit moms. The 11, customers entered the sportscaster and host of quaint, black-and-white ABs-CBN’s sports Un- structure at the Ground

Healthy food choices abound at the Mompreneur Fair .

Dyan Castillejo introduces her mother to the audience.

Floor hallway and voiced out their love for a chance to win special prizes for mom.

For inquiries and updates on Abreeza Mall events, please visit the Main Concierge at the ground floor or call (082) 321-9332. Stay updated by liking www.facebook.com/ AbreezaMall and following @abreezatweets on Twitter and @iloveabreezamall on Instagram.

Mutya ng Dabaw 2014 1st Runner-Up Mary Joyce Villanueva drops by the Reel Love booth.

EDGEDAVAO

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 45 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 18-19, 2014

ENTERTAiNMENT

Jennylyn Mercado launches new single under GMA Records

iT WAS a romantic Sunday as multi-talented Kapuso singer/actress Jennylyn Mercado serenaded the viewers with her melodious voice via the launch of her newest single, “Basta’t Nandito Ka” under GMA Records in Sunday All Stars.

The carrier single of her upcoming album, “Never Alone” will be available on digital format via iTunes this Sunday. it will surely leave the Filipinos humming the tune and memorizing the lyrics as it was composed by

Vehnee Saturno, the same composer of her very first single, “Kahit Sandali” in 2004, which became a certified hit in the country and even earned her a Gold Record award for her first album, “Living the Dream.”

Jennylyn’s newest album will mark her comeback to GMA Records as well as her 10th anniversary in the entertainment industry. it will include 10 OPM songs, such as “Kahit Sandali,” “Sa hatinggabi,” the theme song of GMA

Network’s highest-rating teleserye, Rhodora X, and “Abot Langit,” the love theme of the upcoming rerun of the hit Koreanovela, Jewel in the Palace. A revival of the Ella Mae Saison hit “’Til My heartaches End” will also be featured in the album.

After the release of her upcoming album, there is still more to expect from Jennylyn as she will co-produce her major concert that will be held on October 10, 2014 at the Araneta Coliseum.

Mikael Daez, Andrea Torres and Carla Abellana entertain fans in Cambodia Star Tour GMA Network stars Mikael Daez, Andrea Torres and Carla Abellana entertained their Kapuso followers in Phnom Penh during the recently concluded second Cambodia Star Tour.

Organized by GMA Worldwide, inc. (GWi), the Network’s content acquisition and distribution arm, and Cambodia’s No. 1 television network, Cambodia Broadcasting Service (CTN), the tour highlights will include a television guesting on The CTN 21 Show, the country’s most popular talk show where guests share their success stories, daily life and how they deal with fame.

The stars also participated in a charity concert together with other international artists at the Chenla Theater, for the benefit of the children of Kantha Bopha hospital. The charity concert, where Mi-

kael, Andrea and Carla have been invited to perform, is organized as a tribute to and birthday celebration of Cambodia’s King Norodom Sihamoni. Mikael and Andrea are slated to serenade the crowd with their respective song numbers while Carla

will be hosting a segment in the concert.

Cambodian fans of Mikael, Andrea and Carla will also had a chance to meet and greet their favourite Kapuso artists at a mall show at the Sorya Shopping Center. it was Andrea’s first Cam-

bodian Star Tour, while the tour was Mikael and Carla’s second visit to the country as they were the Network’s representatives during CTN’s 10th anniversary celebration last March 2013, where they were enthusiastically welcomed by the Cambodian audience.

Since 2008, CTN has been a partner of GMA Network and its subsidiary GMA Worldwide, inc. in bringing Kapuso programs to a wider audience in the region.

GMA dramas such as Losing heaven (Kung Aagawin Mo Ang Langit), Amaya, and My Beloved have been wellreceived by viewers in the country.

CTN’s most recent GMA title acquisitions include Temptation of Wife, Forever, Magdalena, and Sana Ay ikaw Na Nga; all airing in 2014.

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt ready to marry Enlist their kids as wedding planners

AFTER eight years and six children, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are ready for marriage.

Planning their wedding, of course, has become a family affair. The Mr. & Mrs. Smith co-stars got engaged in 2012 and are receiving plenty of input from their six kids: Maddox Jolie-Pitt, 12, Pax Jolie-Pitt, 10, Zahara Jolie-Pitt, 9, Shiloh Jolie-Pitt, 7, and twins Knox Jolie-Pitt and Vivienne Jolie-Pitt, 5.

“We are discussing it with the children and how they imagine it might be,” the bride-to-be, 38, says in the latest issue of People.

“Which is verging on hysterical, how kids envision a wedding...They will, in a way, be the wedding planners,” she adds. “it’s going to be Disney or paintball—one or the other!”

The ceremony may be a ways off, however. “We will

get married, and we’re not really in a rush,” Jolie explains. “We’re just waiting for it to be the right time with the kids, with work, when it feels right.”

One thing is certain, Jolie says: “it will be fun. That’s the important thing.”

The Maleficent star also

opens up about how her romance with Pitt, 50, has evolved as their children grow older. “We’ve been through so much. We’ve gotten a lot closer, which i think naturally happens with raising a family together.

You have history. You have so many memories. All your

memories are based on time together, so you don’t have separate experiences. You have this person you live with who really knows you, and you know them so well,” she says. “You’re not lovers or boyfriend and girlfriend as much as you are a family.” in Elle’s June issue, Jolie went into further detail about her relationship with the World War Z star. “You get together and you’re two individuals and you feel inspired by each other, you challenge each other, you complement each other, drive each other beautifully crazy,” she said. “After all these years, we have history—and when you have history with somebody, you’re friends in such a very real, deep way that there’s such a comfort, and an ease, and a deep love that comes from having been through quite a lot together.”

BRICK MANSIONS 2D Paul Walker, David Belle, RZA R 13

12:25 | 2:20 | 4:15 | 6:10 | 8:05 | 10:00 LFS

GODZILLA 3D Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Bryan Cranston PG 13

1:30 | 4:00 | 6:30 | 9:00 LFS

GODZILLA 2D Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Bryan Cranston PG 13

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

R-16 THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 2D Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone PG 13

1:00 | 4:00 | 7:00 | 10:00 LFS

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

VOL. 7 ISSUE 45 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 18-19, 2014

hOUSE AND hOME

Tips for tiny spaces

The size of apartments and condos today are becoming smaller and smaller, but that does not mean you should cramp your quality of living. With the use of some creativity and some smart thinking, you can maximize your limited living space. Read on for the top three space saving tips: Know what you’re working with Before going shopping for furnitures for your new condo, make sure that you measure first the areas of your living spaces. once you have done that, try to visualize the locations of your basic furnitures. (try to ask your condo administrator or your interior decorator if they have a floorplan to save you time).

Find smarter furniture Free standing furniture usually consumes a lot of space. if you own a small home/ condo unit, there are a lot ways to maximize the minimal space you have. one option is buying multi-function furniture rather than free standing pieces to give you more room. examples are daybed or sofa beds, stor-

age boxes used as coffee tables or ottomans, beds with drawers for additional storage, etc. For more multi-function furnitures, you may want to consult professionals for optimal understanding on furnishings.

By maximizing its space saving feature and its functionality, you can actually save more in the long run. if the price is too expensive for multi functional pieces, perhaps you consider other

EDGEDavao Davao Partners

A daybed is a smart multi-fuction furniture. ways to eliminate excessive and bulky fixtures to give you more space.

Get creative with the space you have in a small living area, one way to maximize the limited space is to make use of hanging space or the walls.

For instance, instead of having bulky libraries in your living room, replace them with floor to ceiling hanging shelves. in this manner, it will instantly make your space feel bigger. if you have the latest LCD/ LeD televisions, you can make additional space by mounting it on the wall. Go to your local specialty hardwares for cheap mounting brackets and try installing them yourselves for free labor. one of the most practical but under utilized spaces in the bedroom is the space under the bed.

You can use this space by using hand weaved boxes/ plastic containers to put the linens, seldom used clothing. one other way to get the most out of your small closet is to put small hooks and hanger organizers to the closet door. They can hold up to five pairs of pants or belts at any given time. Take advantage of the vertical space in your closet.

Whether you’re a new couple purchasing your first home, student from

out of town or an older couple downsizing from a larger home; just remember that all you need is a

little bit of strategic planning and take some time to be diligent in finding the right functional pieces

that fits you. in considering all of these, you will have your home decorated with more ease.

CLASSIFIED 13

VOL. 7 ISSUE 45 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 18-19, 2014

jUDEA, a start-up pharmaceuticals distribution company is looking for: tERRitoRY MAnAgER/S Qualifications: 1. Male/Female, 24 to 30 years old 2. At least 6 months of pharmaceuticals selling experience, 3. Very pleasing personality, 4. Passionate, honest, and can work with minimal supervision.

Successful candidates can look forward to : 1. Industry competitive salary, allowances and commissions, 2. Company car, 3. Paid vacation leaves, Out-patient benefits, 4. Career progression and positive work environment.

For interested/qualified applicants: please email your resume with latest 2X2 picture on or before May 30, 2014 at judeapharma@gmail.com

FoR SALE (Direct Buyer only)

Destiny Training Center located at Silway-8, Polomolok, South Cotabato, Philippines Area: 1.5 hectares (clean title) Contact Person: Jayson Mata and Jarry Cortez Mobile Numbers: 09073069070,09266173168 Telephone Number:(083)301-7975 Email Ad: april23jayson@yahoo.com / jarrycortez@gmail.com website: http://www.destinytrainingcenterph.com

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.

14 SPORTS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 45 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 18-19, 2014

nadal holds off Murray

R

OME (AP) -- Rafael Nadal stormed back from a surprisingly poor opening set to edge Andy Murray 1-6, 6-3, 7-5 Thursday and secure a spot in the Italian Open semifinals.

Murray jumped out to a 5-0 lead and won the first set in just 37 minutes with a dominant display, as the Wimbledon champion unleashed a series of winners from just about everywhere on the court.

But the top-ranked Nadal broke early in the second set and took control with a late break in the third to stay on course for his eighth title in Rome. ‘’I really didn’t feel like I was playing bad in the first set.

Probably tactically (it was) not good but inside the energy was really good,’’ Nadal said. ‘’Tonight I didn’t have any negative thoughts for the whole match. ... I closed the match at the first opportunity.’’

There were a series of breaks early in the third set and Murray took a 4-2 lead.

But the British player was upset with the way he played the next game. ‘’That was my chance there and I played a poor game so I’m disappointed with that,’’ Murray said. ‘’I maybe rushed a little bit, because I was being very patient for the majority of the match. ... Physically, he was a little bit stronger at the end.’’

swInGInG ana. Ana Ivanovic strikes a forehand during her quarterfinal match at the Italian Open tennis tournament, in Rome. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)

DeaDly FoRM. Spain’s Rafael Nadal returns a backhand to Britain’s Andy Murray during their match at the Italian open tennis tournament in Rome. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia) It was the third consecutive match in which Nadal was pushed to three sets, leaving his clay-court form in question entering Roland Garros, which starts in nine days. ‘’The physical part is really good, the mental part too, and my tennis is going to be there sooner or later,’’ Nadal said. ‘’This was one of my best matches in a while.’’

And despite losing in the end, it was a positive perfor-

mance for Murray, who is still trying to regain his top form following minor back surgery in September. ‘’I’m getting close to getting back to where I want to be, and that’s pleasing with a couple of big months ahead,’’ Murray said. ‘’Tonight was probably the best I’ve hit the ball for a while, and the best I’ve felt physically since the surgery.’’

Nadal’s semifinal oppo-

nent will be Grigor Dimitrov, while Novak Djokovic and Milos Raonic will meet in the other half of the draw.

Djokovic is back on track after a right wrist injury sidelined him last week. And Serena Williams is cruising again, too, after being slowed by a left thigh problem.

The second-ranked Djokovic overcame a stiff challenge from David Ferrer before grinding out a 7-5, 4-6, 6-3 win and the top-ranked Williams then rolled past Zhang Shuai of China 6-1, 6-3 to stay on course in her title defense.

Williams’ semifinal opponent will be 2008 French Open champion Ana Ivanovic, who beat 13th-seeded Carla Suarez Navarro 6-4, 3-6, 6-4.

The other semifinal will pit local hope Sara Errani of Italy vs. 2007 and 2008 Rome champion Jelena Jankovic.

Errani took advantage of a supportive crowd to beat second-seeded Li Na 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 and reach the semifinals for the second consecutive year, while Jankovic eliminated third-seeded Agnieszka Radwanska 6-4, 6-4.

Dimitrov celebrated his 23rd birthday with a win when 36-year-old Tommy Haas retired after losing the first set 6-2 due to a right shoulder injury - spoiling a matchup between the youngest and oldest players in the top 20.

The big-serving Raonic held off Jeremy Chardy of France 6-3, 5-7, 6-2 on an overcast day with intermittent rain at the Foro Italico.

Djokovic double-faulted on his first match point but then won a 38-shot rally before eventually closing it out in just over 2 1/2 hours. ‘’It was definitely the most physical match I’ve had on clay this year,’’ Djokovic said, adding that his wrist is reacting well. ‘’I’m playing with no pain. As long as it stays like this I’ll be happy.’’

The 10th-seeded Errani is attempting to become the first Italian to win the tournament since Raffaella Reggi took the title 29 years ago in Taranto.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 45 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 18-19, 2014

SPORTS 15

ThUnDeRInG blow ibaka out of the playoffs HE Oklahoma City Thunder suffered a major setback Friday, losing starting power forward Serge Ibaka for the rest of the playoffs with a left calf injury.

An MRI on Friday revealed the extent of Ibaka’s injury, a grade 2 sprain, which he suffered in the third quarter of a series-clinching Game 6 victory against the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night.

“The severity of the injury is not long-term,” Thunder general manager Sam Presti told reporters in a conference call. “But the the timing of the injury and how deep we are in the playoffs is unfortunate.”

Ibaka averaged career-highs of 15.1 points and 8.8 rebounds during the regular season and led the NBA in total blocks (219) for the

fourth consecutive season.

He averaged 12.2 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.2 blocks in 13 postseason games.

The Thunder will likely replace Ibaka with veteran Nick Collison, who averaged 4.2 points and 3.6 rebounds in 16.7 minutes per game in the regular season.

OKC begins the Western Conference finals on Monday against the reigning West champion Spurs in San Antonio. The Spurs start 14-time NBA All-Star Tim Duncan, who is averaging 15.8 points and 8.3 rebounds in the postseason, at power forward.

This is the second straight postseason Oklahoma City has lost a key starter. Last year, a knee injury sidelined point guard Russell Westbrook in the first round of the playoffs.

IAMI (AP) -- During the dog days of the regular season, the Miami Heat often spoke about the need to not take any shortcuts on the way to the playoffs.

And that’s true.

That doesn’t mean they necessarily enjoyed the 82game run-up to the best time of year. ‘’None of us,’’ Heat forward LeBron James finally confessed, ‘’are here for the regular season.’’

When this core of Heat players was assembled, the only stated goal was winning NBA titles, which also explains why even getting through the first two rounds of these playoffs basically unscathed only merited a short celebration.

Miami is back in the Eastern Conference finals for the fourth straight season, and will visit Indiana in Game 1 on Sunday afternoon. The Heat got there by ousting the Brooklyn Nets in five games, the end of that series Wednesday night being briefly accompanied by a few hoots and hollers in the immediate moments after the clinching 96-94 win was completed.

Before long, order was restored to the Heat locker room.

Two series wins are nice, but they know the road only gets tougher from here. ‘’Like LeBron said, to be in this position four years in a row, this is the reason we came together four years ago,’’ Heat guard Dwyane Wade said. ‘’We’ve got a lot more work to do but we’re a team that doesn’t take it for granted. We’re a team that worked very hard to get to this point, so we’re going

to go to the next round, the Eastern Conference finals and continue to do what we’ve done, play this game as hard as we can and try to continue to move forward.’’

Indiana ousted Washington on Thursday night. The Heat and Pacers split four meetings in the regular season. ‘’We know what Indiana’s capable of,’’ Heat forward Chris Bosh said. ‘’Best defense in the league. Despite their struggles, we still see the same opponent in those guys as we did last year and throughout this year.’’

The Heat are now 32-7 in first- and second-round games in the last four postseasons, that stretch coinciding with the start of the ‘’Big 3’’ era featuring James, Wade and Bosh teaming up in Miami.

That first year, even that star-studded trio wasn’t enough. More pieces were added, like Shane Battier a year later and Ray Allen two years later, and they’ve all paid dividends since. Allen kept coming up big at big times in the Brooklyn series, hitting clutch free throws to seal Game 4 and then knocking down a 3-pointer with 32 seconds left to put Miami ahead for good in Game 5.

Never mind that Allen had missed 11 of his last 12 3-point tries in the series.

Just like last year when he saved Miami’s season with the legendary desperation 3-pointer in Game 6 of the NBA Finals against San Antonio, when the stakes were highest, Allen came through. ‘’We did what we needed to do, when we had to do it,’’ Allen said. ‘’Total team effort.’’

T

Heatknowthebiggest tests are still ahead M

InJUReD. Serge Ibaka is out for the remainder of the playoffs with a calf injury. (USA TODAY Sports).

Cyclomax Motocross May 24 at Maa T

HE Phoenix Cyclomax Motocross is slated on May 24 at the MotoX Davao race track inside the Davao Crocodile Park in Maa. “It is part of the Davao City Sports for Peace Festival,” said organizer Bok Mata of Moto X Davao.

The categories are the PeeWee 50, PeeWee 65, Super Mini, Pantra, Enduro Open, Novice Production Open, In-

termediate Production Open, Executive, Expert Production Open, KLX150 Beginner and KLX150 Novice.

Expected to see action are riders from Davao, Tagum, Digos, Agusan, Bukidnon, Midsayap, Kabacan, Cotabato, Monkayo and Ozamis.

Among them are the Team Phoenix composed of Kimboy Pineda of Tagum, Abu Mata and Michael Tapic of Davao, Je-

ven Lagrada of Agusan, Ambo Yapparcon of Palawan, Jeff Razonable of Digos, Glenn Lapuz of Bukidnon, Aldyx Pantone of Monkayo, Charlie Vince Pascua of Kabacan, Jaspher Banot of Don Marcelino, Michael Bediot and Tonton Fernandez of Midsayap.

The top five placers will receive cash prizes. The motocross event is sponsored

by Kurmat, Kawasaki, Honda,

Best Bike, KTM, ETG, Toyota, Red Bull, Nature’s Spring, Lipovitan, Mac Cycle Mart, Sign Factor, Phoenix Premium 98, JVF Commercial, JBK Promotions, Sankai Japanese Restaurant, Project One Audio Sales and Phoenix Lubricants.

It is supported by the City Sports Development Division, Maa Barangay Council, SCOOP Davao, 92.3 WT and 95.5 Hit Radio.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. VOL.77ISSUE ISSUE45 45••SUNDAY-MONDAY, SUNDAY-MONDAY,MAY MAY18-19, 18-19,2014 2014

CMo barges into semis

C

ity Mayor’s Office (CMO) was simply amazing this time.

CMO closed the preliminary round with an eight game winning streak as the Mayor’s men trounced the Bureau of Fire Protection, 76 – 64, in the Davao Summer Sports for Festival AFP-PNP Basketball Tournament at the Davao City Recreation Center Alemndras Gym yesterday.

CMO held off another late rally for the third straight game, this time from the hard-fighting Firemen, to pull away with the win that put the Mayor’s men at the top of the standing and entered the semifinal round as the topseed with 8 – 1 record.

The Mayor’s men stormed to 41 – 23 lead after the first half behind the hot-shooting of Christopher “Bong” Go, who charted 15 of his total 24 points in the spurt.

But the BFP mounted a huge fightback in the third canto as the Firemen managed to get back in the game, trailing by just seven, 50 – 57, entering the final period.

The Firemen, who stamped their mighty class in last four outings, cut the gap to four, 53 – 57, after scoring the first three points in the final period.

Super-sub Rodel Bantilan, who had 13 points, scored six straight points to bring the CMO lead back to double digit, 66 – 56, but the Firemen came

right back with a back-to-back basket to make it 66 – 60 under four minutes to go.

After both teams traded baskets as well as miscues, the sweet-shooting Go hit a running bank shot to give the Mayor’s men a 74 – 64 advantage that put the nail on the coffin with 1:37 left in the game.

Lefty-forward Michael Baste contributed 12 points for the Mayor’s men who won their last three games - DCPO, PN and BFP - after overcoming furios rally down the stretch.

Earl Angsingco and John Manguhig made 15 points apiece for the Firemen who absorbed their first defeat in five games and dropped to second place in the standing.

A left corner triple by Go opened a 14 – 3 run that provided CMO a 26 – 15 lead early in the second period.

The Mayor’s men, whose only defeat came at the hands of 10th ID on opening day, continue to pound the rest of the first half to take their biggest lead in the game at 19, 37 – 18.

In the other match, Police Regional Office-XI clobbered Philippine Navy, 92 – 71, to clinch its fourth win.

After dropping two consecutive games, PRO-XI bounced back with two big wins to improve to 4 – 2 winloss card and stay in the race for the final four slot.

The loss was the Navymen’s fifth straight in as many games. (RICO BILIRAN)

MaRKeD Man. Bong Go of CMO is being guarded heavily in this match during the ongoing AFP-PNP basketball tournament at the DCRC. Boy Lim