Edge Davao 7 Issue 63

VOL. 7 ISSUE 63 • THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2014

P 15.00 • 22 PAGES

www.edgedavao.net

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

FREEDOM DAY. A hawker sells miniature Philippine flags to motorists along Tionko Avenue in Davao City yesterday. Davao City will commemorate the country’s 116th Indepedence Day with various activities such as flag-raising, wreath laying and the annual Kalayaan jobs fair. Lean Daval Jr.

PEACE ICON UNVEILED TODAY Mayor Rody leads ‘Kalayaan’rites in Paquibato, to present palm oil project

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. abf@edgedavao.net

D

AVAO City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte will lead the unveiling of peace monument in Paquibato district today as part of the celebration of 116th Independence Day.

EXHAUSTED. Exhaustion and the searing heat from a morning sun made this sidewalk vendor fall asleep even in an uncomfortable manner along C.M. Recto Avenue in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

“I will just go there to spread goodwill,” Duterte told reporters.

In Paquibato, the mayor said that he will have a talk with the lumads about the development the government plans to bring in the area.

Duterte is expected to introduce the proposed Palm Oil plantation investment of a Malaysian firm in the area which investors promised could bring employment opportunities to residents and huge revenues for the city.

“Ako ang mag garantiya… sa kanila lahat yan hindi tayo makialam,” stressed Duterte.

Duterte said that he does not personally have any quarrel with the New People’s Army (NPA) but kept his stand as government official.

“Ang kaso kasi ang Armed Forces (of the Philippines) is their natural enemy,” he said.

The peace monument that will be unveiled will become the marker where the names of the soldiers, rebels and civilians who died in the encounter in the area shall be enscripted.

Duterte will be joined by officials from different national agencies who will also join the celebration in Paquibato district.

In the invitation program circulated to media yesterday, AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Emmanuel T. Bautista will be one of today’s special guests.

Aside from the Peace monument’s unveiling, there will be a manifesto signing declaring Paquibato district as devel-

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2

EDGEDAVAO

THE BIG NEWS

MONEY FROM SCRAP. Scrap metals from a junk shop are used by a welder to assemble a dog cage which he sells for P4,500 in his makeshift store in Bo. Obrero, Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

5,000 expected in Kalayaan job fair A

BOUT 5,000 job seekers are expected to participate in today’s Kalayaan 2014 job Fair at NCCC Mall of Davao which posted 20,000 job vacancies locally and abroad.

The estimate could go beyond the previous traffic of job seekers in past job fairs which was placed at only 3,000.

Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE 11) in Davao region recorded that this year’s job fair is participated by 73 local companies with a total of 4,176 job vacancies

and 30 overseas agencies with 15, 856 job opportunities overseas.

Among the top 10 most number of vacancies in the fair for both local and overseas are call center agent, customer service representative, service crew, office staff, administrative clerk, carpenter, market sales person, accounting assistant, insurance salesman, and non-formal education teacher.

DOLE 11 regional director Joffrey Suyao said that they are targeting 15 to 18 percent of

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WEATHER FORECAST

VOL. 7 ISSUE 63 • THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2014

30ButHEIs hike fees 3 others withdraw request

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

O

crc@edgedavao.net

NLY 30 out of 92 private colleges and universities in Davao region increased their tuition and/ or other school fees (TOSF) for the school year 2014- 2015.

The figure is higher compared to last year’s approved list of higher education institutions (HEIs) in the region.

Only 33 have signified their intent to increase fees but only 30 proceeded with

their application as the other three--ACLC College of Tagum, Brokenshire College and University of Guianga -- opted to withdraw earlier last month.

In a press statement furnished to Edge Davao, CHED said that the average increase for this school year is 9.33 percent or P38.25 per unit on tuition fees and 7.76 percent or P65.78 on other school fees for all Bachelor levels.

Nutrition Council is reconstituted

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

T

abf@edgedavao.net

HE Davao City government has issued an order reconstituting the membership of the Davao City Nutrition Council.

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte signed the Executive Order (EO) No. 27 or “An Order Reconstituting the membership of Davao City Nutrition Council.” Based on the EO, the existence of nutrition council in the city is imperative to ensure effective delivery of nutrition programs to constituents.

The council will be composed of the Mayor as chair-

man, City Administrator as his co-chairman and the City Health Office as the Vice-Chairperson.

The members will be from City Agriculturist Office, City Social Services and Development Office, City Planning and Development Office, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Interior and Local Government, Philippine Information Agency, Department of Education and National Dairy Authority.

The EO stated that the

FCITY, 10

Schools that can increased their TOSF are Assumption College of Nabunturan; Ateneo de Davao University; Davao Medical School Foundation; Holy Cross of Davao College; Kolehiyo ng Pantukan; Mindanao Medical Foundation College; Monkayo College of Arts, Sciences and Technology; Philippine College of Technology; Polythechnic College of Davao del Sur; Rizal Memorial

College; Samson Polythechnic Collefe of Davao; St. Xavier College Seminary of Davap; St. Mary’s College of Tagum; San Pedro College; Southern Philippines Baptist Theological Seminary, Inc.; Tagum City College of Science and Technology Foundation, Inc., Tagum Doctors College; Tecarro College Foundation; University of Immaculate Conception; Uni-

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Water service interruptions in some city parts June 14-16

D

AVAO City Water District has scheduled three sets of water interruption in some city parts.

First and second sets are scheduled on June 14 and June 16 at different times causing low water pressure to no water in areas served by Dumoy Water Supply System. From 4:00 AM to 6:00 AM, affected are the entire Talomo, Ulas, Bangkal, Matina, Matina Aplaya, Ecoland, Matina Pangi, Ma-a and Langub and some areas in Bago Aplaya (Gulfview Executive Homes, Versari Village and Sto. Niño Village). From 4:00 AM to 8:00 AM, affected are the entire downtown area, Bo. Obrero, Agdao, Madapo, Marfori, San Rafael, Circumferential Road, Bacaca and their immediate

environs. From 4:00 AM to 9:00 AM, affected areas are Bajada, Lanang, Bo. Pampanga, Sasa until Km. 12 and some areas in Buhangin (from J.P. Laurel Ave. to Panorama Homes, from Crossing Milan to Holy Trinity and from Ma-a Bridge to DPWH Panacan). Last is from 4:00 AM to 12:00 NN and affected are some Panacan areas specifically ICSAMA, SAPAHA, Landmark 1, DPWH Depot and Philippine Naval Forces. This water cut is caused by the power interruptions that Davao Light and Power Company has scheduled on June 14 and June 16 from 4:00 AM to 4:15 AM in order to allow its crew to facilitate line upgrading of its 69kV Davao Line 1 & 2 along New Loon in Mintal and

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NEWS 3

VOL. 7 ISSUE 63 • THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2014

De Lima, Paje, Soliman are confirmed finally T

HE powerful Commission on Appointments (CA) has finally confirmed the appointments of Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman, and Environment Secretary Ramon Paje.

The commission had snubbed the confirmation of these Cabinet officials several times.

Commission on Audit (COA) Commissioners Heidi Mendoza and Jose Fabia also got the nod of the plenary.

Senator Aquilino “Koko”

BREAK TIME. A traffic enforcer takes some time off from manning the flow of vehicles along C.M. Recto Avenue in Davao City yesterday to update himself of what’s happening around the city. Lean Daval Jr.

crc@edgedavao.net

F

ILIPINO teachers in the tertiary level are afraid that use of Filipino language affect the competitivenes of students in the light of globalization.

“Nahihirapan na nga kami iinstill sa kanila [students] na gamitin at panatilihin yun [usage of Filipino as a medium ] baka mas mahihirapan pa kaming na panatilihing buhay ang wikang Filipino,” Marjorie E. Belida, a full-time Filipino teacher of the Ateneo de Davao, told Edge Davao in an exclusive interview.

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has announced that minor subjects in college will be transferred to the secondary curriculum as mandated by the K-12 basic education curriculum of the Department of Education

(DepEd) by 2016.

Belida said that the plan to put Filipino subjects in the senior level will further elevate issues concerning the ability of students to comprehend the Filipino language and its structure.

“Bagaman bababa lang sya malaking kawalan sya kasi iba ang antas o paraan ng pag-iisip pag nasa tersyarya kaya somehow parang magiging kawalan talaga,” she said.

“Based sa curriculum parang pinalawak kasi isasabay sa globalisasyon pero hindi kasi sapat ang oras dun iba talaga pag kolehiyo kasi dapat hindi minamadali un eh saka pag abolish nun ay isang malaking kawalan para manatili at maging matibay ang wikang Filipino,” Belida explained.

“Nakakalungkot sa punto

ng isang guro sa Filipino kasi nasa batas natin na upang mapanatili ang ating wika article 14 section 6 to 9 kailangang ipagpatuloy at gamitin ang wika at isang paraan dyan ang pagtuturo sa mga akademya,” Belida said who is teaching Filipino subjects in all collegiate levels.

“Nakakalungkot kasi parang mismong tayo ayaw na nating pag-aralan ang mismong wika natin,” she said.

“Hindi komo Tagalog ang mother tongue ng bata magaling na agad sa Filipino,” Belida said.

According to her, Filipino subject in the tertiary level not only focus on language and grammar but also structure and it will used in creative writing, research and appreciation.

tion documents needed by the senior citizens when availing of benefits and privileges.

Based on the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of RA 9994, identification document refers to “any document or proof of being a senior citizen which may be used for the availment of benefits and privileges under the Act and its Rules”.

Further, the IRR cited the following as qualified identification documents: senior citizens’ identification card issued by the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) in the city or municipality where

the elderly resides; Philippine passport of the elderly person or senior citizen concerned; and other valid documents that establish the senior citizen or elderly person as a citizen of the Philippines and the real age. These documents include, but not limited to, the following government-issued identification cards which indicate the holder’s birthdate and age: driver’s license, voter’s ID, Social Security System (SSS) or Government Security Insurance System (GSIS) ID, Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) card, and postal ID.

Dr. Agnes Joana T. Yu, a full time Filipino teacher in the University of Southeastern

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30-minute switching power interruptions on June 14, 16

Use of Filipino could affect D student’s competitiveness

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

Pimentel III, chairman of the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights, said De Lima “fully deserves” the post as Justice chief since she has the “tenacity to do what needs to be done without fear.”

“De Lima fights for justice and she will do us justice not for her own welfare but for the good of our country and people,” Pimentel said.

Before getting the CA’s nod, de Lima was battered with questions this morning, particularly from Senator

AVAO Light and Power Co. will conduct 30-minute switching power interruptions on June 14 and 16, both from 4:00 a.m. to 4:30 a.m., affecting the southern part of its franchise.

Communication Officer Ross Luga said that the scheduled outages are necessary to facilitate the Preventive Maintenance and Servicing of Davao Light’s Puan Substation. This will also pave way to the line upgrading works of its Davao Lines 1 and 2 for a more reliable power supply.

To keep the power interruptions within the least possible time, loads connected to Puan substation will be transferred to nearby substations on June 14, Saturday. Normalization or return of loads back to its normal set-up will be on June 16, Monday.

Areas affected by these service disruptions are from Matina up to Descuatan, Toril and from Ulas going to Mintal.

This includes areas of Ecoland, Maa, Bangkal, Catalunan Grande, Catalunan Pequeño,

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Gov’t clarifies need for senior citizens’ID to avail of benefits T

O clarify on the use of identification documents by senior citizens to avail of benefits and privileges, the National Coordinating and Monitoring Board (NCMB) of Republic Act 9994 has issued a resolution.

RA 9994, which is otherwise known as the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, stipulates the benefits and privileges accorded to senior citizens, or Filipinos who are at least 60 years old.

In NCMB’s Resolution No. 1, series of 2013, the Board sheds light on the reported confusion relative to identifica-

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A mother and daughter walk by a Philippine flag mounted in front of Sangguniang Panlungsod along San Pedro Street in time for today’s 116th Philippine Independence Day celebration. Lean Daval Jr.

4 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 63 • THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2014

ARRESTED. Two suspects are now behind bars as elements of the Tagum City Police Office arrested them due to possession of 73 packs of dried marijuana fruiting tops worth 9,000 pesos. ( Kareen Gomez of CIO Tagum)

TAGUM CITY

Tagum police arrests 2 drug suspects E

LEMENTS of the Tagum City Police Office (TCPO) arrested two persons found to have possessed dried marijuana leaves in two separate houses last June 10, 2014.

The police desk identified the suspect as Judelo Reegao, 35, and Norra Mabanding, 37, who were arrested at their

respective houses in Purok Cadena de Amor in Barangay Visayan Village, this city.

The operation, led by the Tagum City Police Detective Team, busted 73 packs of dried marijuana fruiting tops with 9,000 pesos estimated street value.

Said items were submitted to the Davao del Norte

Provincial Crime Laboratory Office for quantitative and qualitative examination, while the two arrested persons were held in TCPO as authorities hasten the filing of charges against them in violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Dangerous Drugs Law. The operation was authorized through separate

search warrants issued by Judge Virginia Tejano-Ang and with proper coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

Follow-up operations are being conducted to trace the supplier and other involved in the two suspect’s illegal drugs business. [Gleiza Delgado of CIO Tagum]

now accommodate three patients with severe general or surgical cases.

It is equipped with three modern ventilators, 12 infusion pumps, and electro cardiogram machine and several other necessary apparatus, he said.

Rivera said they also restored the services at the ObGyne section after completing its expansion to two wards.

He said they have increased the capacity of the OBGyne section to 63 beds from the previous 36 so it can serve more patients.

Rivera said they prioritized the renovation and expansion of the two facilities to help address the overcrowding or congestion at the city hospi-

tal.

“Modern facilities and equipment would be useless if we don’t have responsible and excellent people to administer, guide and manage our undertakings,” he said.

In line with this, he said they had sought the help of the Department of Health’s hospital management information system bureau to help the hospital in computerizing its transactions.

“This is part of our continuing advocacy towards health care accessibility, especially for the poor. Rest assured that we will continue with these initiatives to further improve the city hospital’s operations and service delivery,” he added. [MindaNews]

parency ...Our accountability to the people who choose us,” Huevas, who took her oath on June 5 before Gov. Jose Ma. Zubiri Jr. in Manila said. Zubiri was in Manila for a personal trip abroad.

In a press conference Monday where members of the city council also attended, Huervas said she will prioritize programs on health, education, and security. She also cited infrastructure and agriculture as part of her priorities.

She is keen on pursuing that Valencia City will become “organic rice capital” but “right

now we focus on our priority to organize the employees (of the city agriculture office).”

“If we say organic capital, there should be personnel to back it up. If you plan to pursue it, back it up with work; don’t just leave it as a plan. We need to sit down to work on this,” she added.

Huervas, who started as a village chairperson before becoming vice mayor in 2010, said others look at her assumption as mayor as destiny but she preferred to look at it as a responsibility.

GENERAL SANTOS CITY

GENERAL SANTOS CITY

P258.5M for PAMANA in Region 12

T

HE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Region 12 has allocated P258.5 million for the implementation of additional peace and development projects in the region under the PAyapa at MAsaganang pamayaNAn (PAMANA) program.

Reynaldo Bungubung, DILG Region 12 director, said the funds comprise the region’s allocation this year for the program, which is a flagship peace-building initiative implemented by the DILG. He said they allotted a total of P187.2 million for the second congressional district of South Cotabato, P58.8 million for the lone district of Sarangani Province and P12.5 million for the first, second and third districts of Cotabato Province.

The official said the funds will mainly be utilized for the concreting of barangays roads in Maasim town in Sarangani as well as Lake Sebu and T’boli in South Cotabato.

He said the other projects are the construction of community peace centers, day care centers, trading centers and multipurpose buildings.

“We’ve been actively encouraging our local government units to submit their detailed project proposals the soonest possible time to facilitate their early approval,” he said.

Bungubung said the agency will immediately conduct

an onsite validation upon the approval of the submitted project proposals.

The approved funds for the projects will be released after the conduct of the onsite validation, he said.

PAMANA is the government’s program and framework for peace and development in areas affected by conflict and communities covered by existing peace agreements.

The program intends to provide communities with projects funded under the government’s stimulus fund to bring genuine peace and development.

It also aims to “reduce poverty, improve governance and empower communities in situations of conflict,” a project briefer said A complementary track to the peace negotiations, it said the program’s main strategy is to bring the government closer to the identified PAMANA areas, “ensuring that the communities benefit from improved delivery of basic social services and are served by responsive, transparent and accountable government units.”

The projects that may be funded by the program include connectivity systems, basic services for economic development, agricultural services and industry investments, economic investments in indigenous people’s areas, disaster-preparedness and climate change adaptation interventions. [MindaNews]

GenSan City hospital expands services T

HE city government has expanded the services of the city hospital here as it completed the initial phase of the continuing rehabilitation and development of the facility.

City Mayor Ronnel Rivera earlier led the reopening of the city hospital’s intensive care unit and obstetrics and gynecology (OB-Gyne) ward after months of major structural renovations and other related improvements.

The mayor said they finally reopened the ICU to patients from the city and the neighboring areas after not being used for nearly a decade due to the lack of equipment and maintenance problems.

He said the facility can

VALENCIA CITY

He noted that it is not uncommon for three patients to share a single bed due to the lack of necessary facilities and equipment.

“I’m much downhearted every time I see two to three patients share a single rusty bed just to get medical treatment. So when I assumed as mayor, I made it a priority to address that problem,” he said.

Along with the physical improvements at the city hospital, the mayor said efforts are also underway to help improve its administrative functions.

He emphasized that proper hospital management is a key towards a satisfying public health service.

New mayor vows transparency, accountability M

AYOR Azucena Huervas, who assumed as city mayor Monday, vowed to pursue transparent and accountable governance in her administration.

Huervas replaced former mayor Jose Galario Jr., who has become a fugitive after failing to show up last week when police came to serve a bench warrant of arrest issued by the Sandiganbayan for his conviction in a case filed by a former city hall official.

“We are looking at good governance – fair delivery of services to the people. We assure trans-

Interviewed after the May 2010 polls, Huervas said she wanted to promote honesty in public office.

She chaired the city council oversight committee on good governance and anti-graft and corruption.

“I will closely watch graft and corruption. We will not tolerate any wrongdoing,” she said then.

“Maybe we can bump into many foes, but that will not make us tolerate wrongdoing,” she said. [Walter I. Balane/MindaNews]

5 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 63 • THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2014

Manufacturing output grows 13% O

UTPUT of the domestic manufacturing industry accelerated by 12.8 percent in April of this year,the Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries (MISSI) of the Philippines Statistics Authority-National Statistics Office (PSA-NSO) reported Tuesday.

The 12.8-percent volume of production index (VoPi) in April 2014 is higher compared to April 2013’s VoPi of 9.0 percent.

Manufacturing output growth in the fourth month of this year was led by petroleum products with strong growth of 128.7 percent.

Other sectors contributing to production output growth in April were printing, increasing by 96.8 percent; machinery except electrical growing by 90.7 percent; tobacco products accelerating by 78.2 percent; fabricated metal products expanding by 43.1 percent; beverages with an increment of 30.7 percent; and furniture and fixtures which went up by 12.6 percent.

Likewise, value of production index (VaPi) manifested a growth of 12.9 percent in April of this year from same period of last year which increased only by 1.5 percent.

PLDT MEETING. PLDT Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan is interviewed after the PLDT Stockholders Meeting on Tuesday (June 10, 2014) at Makati Shangri-La Hotel, Makati City. (PNA photo by Gil S. Calinga)LAM/gsc “This is due to the strong performance of petroleum products which bounced back and posted a three-digit growth of 159.9 percent,” the

PSA explained.

Moreover, average capacity utilization of manufacturing facilities in April 2014 also increased to 83.4 per-

cent with 11 out of 20 major industries registered capacity utilization rates of more than 80 percent.

These industries include:

petroleum products, basic metals, non-metallic mineral products, machinery except electrical, food manufacturing, electrical machinery,

chemical products, paper and paper products, rubber and plastic products, wood and wood products, and publishing and printing. [PNA]

6 THE ECONOMY

SMART POWERS COUNTRY’S 1ST WIKIPEDIA EDITING MARATHON. Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) powered the country’s first Wikipedia Edit-a-thon held recently at the wireless leader’s Makati headquarters. Members of Wikimedia Philippines – a chapter of the global Wikimedia Foundation which operates some of the world’s largest collaboratively edited reference projects – gathered to edit, review, and contribute content for Wikipedia. Prior to the

VOL. 7 ISSUE 63 • THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2014

edit-a-thon, Smart also provided connectivity to Wikimedia Philippines’ cultural heritage mapping activity, which aimed to help document and preserve the country’s cultural sites. In the top photo is Wikimedia Philippines president Eugene Villar. (PR)

World Bank lowers 2014 projections W

ASHINGTON-- The World Bank on Tuesday lowered its projection for this year’s global economic outlook, as developing countries are heading for “disappointing growth,” while high-income countries are gaining momentum.

The Washington-based bank forecasts the global economy to grow 2.8 percent this year, down from its January estimate of 3.2 percent, according to its twice-yearly Global Economic Prospects report.

“Developing countries are headed for a year of disappointing growth, as first quarter

weakness in 2014 has delayed an expected pick-up in economic activity,” the report noted.

Bad weather in the United States, the crisis in Ukraine, rebalancing in China and political strife in several middle-income economies slow progress on structural reform, it said.

The bank has lowered its forecasts for developing countries to a growth of 4.8 percent this year, down from its January estimate of 5.3 percent, the third year in a row of below five percent growth for developing countries. Growth is forecast to pick up to 5.4 percent in 2015 and 5.5 percent in 2016.

Aquino thanks Chinese-Filipinos for contributions to national progress

P

RESIDENT Benigno S. Aquino III expressed his gratitude to Filipino-Chinese businesses for their contribution to nation-building especially after the devastation caused by major disasters that hit the country last year.

In his message during the Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc.’s (FCCCII) joint celebration of the 116th Philippine Independence Day and 13th Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day at the Manila Hotel Tuesday, the President said Chinese Filipino businessmen have never ceased partnering with the government to help calamity-stricken communities.

“It is that spirit of dedicated service and sincere sacrifice that we celebrate here—a spirit that likewise burned within our forefathers as they fought for our freedom 116 years ago,” the President said in his message.

He lauded the bravery of Chinese-Filipinos such as General Ignacio Paua during the Filipino-American War, and General Vicente Lim during the Second World War. Both of them demonstrated utmost loyalty and bravery for the right of Filipinos to live with dignity on

their own soil, he said.

This spirit has continued until now, with many members of the federation involved in volunteer works such as setting up fire brigades and building classrooms.

The federation has donated more than 9,200 classrooms, which have helped address the needs of students all over the nation, the President said.

Also, he said that the country is reaping the fruits of reforms initiated by the administration in the bureaucracy.

“In stark contrast with the past, when government served as an obstacle to the growth of industry and to development, I assure you: our administration will continue partnering with you in pursuit of a prosperity that truly benefits all,” he said.

The President also vowed to continue working towards protecting the rights of the people by combating corruption and upholding the rule of law in every aspect of governance.

This, he said, is the greatest tribute that the nation can give to the many who have fought for freedom: ensuring that the Filipino people will have the wherewithal to rise from poverty, injustice, and oppression. [PNA]

China is expected to grow 7.6 percent this year, slightly down from its January estimate of 7.7 percent, but this will depend on the success of rebalancing efforts, the bank said. “If a hard landing occurs, the reverberations across Asia would be widely felt,” it noted.

“Growth rates in the developing world remain far too modest to create the kind of jobs we need to improve the lives of the poorest 40 percent,” said World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim. “Clearly, countries need to move faster and invest more in domestic structural reforms

to get broad-based economic growth to levels needed to end extreme poverty in our generation,” he said.

Despite first quarter weakness in the United States, the recovery in high-income countries is gaining momentum, the bank said, estimating that these economies will grow 1.9 percent in 2014, and will accelerate to 2.4 percent in 2015 and 2.5 percent in 2016.

The Euro area is on target to grow by 1.1 percent this year, while the United States economy, which contracted in the first quarter due to severe weather, is expected to grow

by 2.1 percent this year, down from the previous forecast of 2.8 percent.

“High-income economies will contribute about half of global growth in 2015 and 2016, compared with less than 40 percent in 2013,” the report said.

Short-term financial risks have become less pressing, in part because earlier downside risks have been realized without generating large upheavals and because economic adjustments over the past year have reduced vulnerabilities.

In the meantime, speculation over the timing and

magnitude of future shifts in high-income macro policy may result in further volatility in countries like Brazil, South Africa and Turkey which are plagued by high inflation and current account deficits.

The bank said fiscal policy needs to tighten in countries where deficits remain large, including Ghana, India, Kenya, Malaysia, and South Africa. In addition, the structural reform agenda in many developing countries, which has stalled in recent years, needs to be reinvigorated in order to sustain rapid income growth. [PNA/ Xinhua]

its arrears to GSIS within 15 years that would settle the unpaid premiums of 15,715 DepEd-ARMM employees.

The agreement forged Wednesday by the said agencies will benefit almost 29,000 teaching and non-teaching personnel in ARMM. “For a good while, DepEd personnel in the ARMM were unable to enjoy the full range of GSIS benefits that they were entitled to, including their salary loans and Retirement Gratuity.

This was an unacceptable situation, and we have since worked with the GSIS and the DepEd-ARMM to settle

the GSIS premium arrears of all affected employees,” DBM Secretary Florencio Abad said.

DBM will pay P891.4 million in cash to GSIS 30 days after the signing of MOA with the remaining P100 million to be paid without interest within one year of the MOA signing.

The payment, which will settle the arrears of 29,019 DepEd-ARMM personnel, will be sourced from savings under the 2014 General Appropriations Act (GAA).

“Public school teachers actually comprise a remarkable 80 percent of the civil

service pool in the ARMM, and many of them have faithfully served their communities for most of their professional lives. Restoring their benefits is only just and fitting,” the Budget Secretary said.

In March 2012, GSIS has coordinated with DepEd to update its employees’ service records from which changes in employee information are made such as position, salary, assignment and period of service which were recorded in GSIS database. The said changes eventually determined the correct premiums DepEd must remit to GSIS. [PNA]

local borrowing as compared with foreign.”

Abad, however, did not provide exact details on the borrowing program.

This year, the Philippines plans on a borrowing mix of 85:15 in favor of domestic credit, National Treasurer Rosalia de Leon said in a mobile phone text message to reporters.

The government bridges its budget deficit through onshore and offshore borrowings. The

latter includes cheap loans from bilateral and multilateral lending agencies.

In the January to April period, the budget deficit was recorded at P3.3 billion ($75.5 million), equivalent to just 1.2 percent of the P266 billion targeted deficit for the entire year, latest reported data showed.

The administration’s fiscal reforms, including decreasing reliance on foreign borrowings, end-

ed the Philippines’ long history of junk-debt status last year. The country got investment-grade status first from Fitch Ratings, second by Standard & Poor’s and then Moody’s Investors Service.

Last May, S&P raised the Philippines’ credit score to BBB, or two notches above investment grade, citing reforms that are likely to remain beyond President Benigno Aquino’s term. [Reuters]

DBM to settle P999M arrears with GSIS T

HE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) is about to settle the unpaid Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) premiums of the Department of Education in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DepEd-ARMM) amounting to P999.4 million with the signing of a tripartite Supplemental Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with GSIS in Pasay City Wednesday.

The supplemental MOA was signed in connection with the previous agreement of the three agencies in March 2014 wherein DepEd-ARMM agreed to pay

PHL to depend more on domestic borrowings next year

T

HE Philippine government will more likely tap the domestic market than venture overseas for borrowings to fill in financing gaps next year, the budget chief said on Wednesday.

Domestic borrowings “will be much, much more,” Budget Secretary Florencio Abad told reporters on the sidelines of a signing ceremony between state agencies. “Increasingly, we will be depending more on

7 ENVIRONMENT

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 63 • THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2014

Surging population, rising troubles TEXT AND PHOTOS BY GERRY T. ESTRERA

“N

UESTRO perdido Eden ” was how Dr. Jose Rizal called the Philippines during his time.

Such is not the case anymore.

The Catholic Bishop Conference of the Philippines , in its pastoral letter in 1988, presage of an ecological debacle in the country.

Twenty-three years after the warning, nothing much has changed. Deforestation continues unabated. Some endemic fauna may soon join the dodo into extinction. Coastal ecosystems are gasping for breath. Rivers and lakes are drying up. Lands are running out. Water crisis is looming.

“We have to bring all of these to an end,” environmentalists urge. But all these destruction and consequences can be curbed only if the country stops growing its population, now numbering about 103 million.

“Rapid population growth, unchecked and unequal access to natural resources and their subsequent over-exploitation, uncontrolled logging, waste disposal and mining and the pollution of rivers, lakes and sea are the root causes of the environmental destruction and degradation both in coastal and upland areas,” states From Ridge to Reef: Sustaining Nature for Life.

The urban areas are not spared from the phenomenon. Take the case of Metro Manila, home to about 10 million people in 1992. The population has been increasing since then. “Population growth that is too fast does not leave time to provide public services,” explains Gregory C. Ira, who once worked with the Silang-based International Institute of Rural Reconstruction. “And the stresses from rapid urbanization harm the environment and the people living in it.”

When Ferdinand Magel-

lan “rediscovered” the Philippines in 1521, forests blanketed 95% of the country. When the Ormoc City , Leyte tragedy happened – which left 8,000 people dead – timber cover was only 18%.

A study by the World Wild Fund for Nature showed that more than 119,000 hectares of forest cover disappear yearly. At this rate, the remaining forest cover would be depleted in 10 years. “Where have all our forests gone?” inquired Roy C. Alimoane, the director of the Davao-based Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center .

Even in the lowlands, the mangroves are not spared.

“Approximately two-thirds of the country’s original mangroves have been lost,” reported Kathleen Mogelgaard, of the Washington-based Population Reference Bureau (PRB).

“The illness of our forest is complicated – and cannot be cured – with a one-stop prescription of a single medicine,” said former Senator Heherson Alvarez.

Fires, slash-and-burn farmers and commercial loggers (both legal and illegal) – not necessarily in that order – are the main culprits.

Environmentalists said the Philippines “trusted” logging companies to cut down trees and manage the forest.

“But they (loggers) did a very bad job,” said Rev. Peter Walpole, a Jesuit priest who heads an environmental group. “That started the problem that we have now.”

In the past, forest resources helped fuel the economy. In fact, in the 1970s, the country was touted the prima donna among world timber exporters. Today, it is considered “a wood-pauper,” to quote the words of veteran journalist Juan Mercado.

Surging population has

multiplied the problem. Seventy-five percent of the over 30,000,000 poor live in the rural areas, where most of the forests are located. “Poverty, lack of jobs and wages, and absence of farm lots in the lowlands have forced some people to invade the forest,” Alvarez pointed out.

Spreading cities have also contributed. “Asphalt is often the last harvest for many forests,” the late National Scientist Dioscoro Umali said in one of his thought-provoking speeches.

The outcome: “The productivity of the country’s agricultural lands and fisheries is declining as these areas become increasingly degraded and pushed beyond their capacity to produce,” said PRB’s Mogelgaard. “Rapid forest loss has eliminated habitat for unique and threatened plant and animal species,” she added.

More than 400 plant and animal species found in the country are currently threatened with extinction, including the Philippine eagle,

tamaraw and waling-waling, according to the World Conservation Union.

Deforestation has also altered the climatic condition in the country. Periods of drought have become more common and extensive in the dry season while floods have prevailed in the rainy months.

The removal of forest cover has likewise bolstered soil erosion in the uplands.

“Soil erosion is an enemy to any nation -- far worse than any outside enemy coming into a country and conquering it because it is an enemy you cannot see vividly,” reminded Rev. Harold Watson, recipient of the 1985 Ramon Magsaysay Award for international understanding. “It’s a slow creeping enemy that soon possesses the land.”

Siltation, caused by erosion, shortens the productive life spans of dams and reservoirs. The Magat reservoir, for instance, has been cut its probable life span of 100 years to 25 years. The Ambuklao Dam reservoir had

its life halved from 60 to 32 years as a result of siltation.

The rampant cutting of trees has also significantly reduced the volume of groundwater available for domestic purposes. Cebu , which has zero forest cover, is 99% dependent on ground-water. As a result, more than half of the towns and cities in Cebu, excluding Metro Cebu, have no access to potable water, according to a study conducted in Central Visayas .

“There has been a drop of 30 to 50% in the country’s water resources in the past 20 years or so,” points out Dr. Rafael D. Guerrero, former executive director of the Laguna-based Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development.

Agriculture is considered one of the most important sectors of the Philippine economy as it contributes 20 percent to the country’s gross domestic product. It also employs almost one-third of the country’s total labor force. As a result of soil erosion, food production is jeopardized.

“The loss of nutrient rich soil reduces crop yields and contributes to the expanded use of chemical fertilizers – a practice that can, in turn, pollute water sources. Rivers and streams also carry eroded soil to the coasts, where it interferes with fish nursery areas,” Alimoane claims.

Not far from the lands and coastal areas are the coral reefs, touted to be the rainforest of the sea. They are some of the world’s ecologically-fragile ecosystems.

They attract a diverse array of organisms in the ocean.

They provide a source of food and shelter for a large variety of species including fish, shellfish, fungi, sponges, sea anemones, sea urchins, turtles and snails.

Rapid population growth and the increasing human pressure on coastal resources have resulted in the massive degradation of the coral reefs. Robert Ginsburg, a specialist on coral reefs working with the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science at the University of Miami , said human beings have a lot to do with the rapid destruction of reefs.

“In areas where people are using the reefs or where there is a large population, there are significant declines in coral reefs,” he pointed out.

A single reef can support as many as 3,000 species of marine life. As fishing grounds, they are thought to be 10 to 100 times as productive per unit area as the open sea. In the Philippines , an estimated 10-15 per cent of the total fisheries come from coral reefs. Each year, a Filipino consumes almost 30 kilograms of seafood.

Quo vadis, Philippines?

“There is sufficiency for man’s needs,” Mahatma Mohandas Gandhi once said, “but not for man’s greed.”

8

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

VOL. 7 ISSUE 63 • THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2014

EDITORIAL

W

Has Kuya gone over the limit?

HEN does a script go beyond decency, or when does a ‘task’ violate one’s dignity?

This is the question that has sparked an uproar over the controversial challenge hurled by Big Brother to housemates in the popular reality television show Pinoy Big Brother. The show’s “Kuya” asked two housemates to pose nude as part of their task/challenge.

What do you expect the housemates would do? Refuse and “go home”? Or do as Kuya says? More likely the latter.

These housemates would do everything to stay in the show and get the chance to win huge cash and a possible career in show business.

So when the haggling was aired on television like a pimp to a prostitute, concerned women groups and leaders sounded off the alarm button.

Senators Pia Cayetano and Nancy Binay have asked the PBB people to explain and refrain from the derogatory tasks especially when directed against female housemates.

A group wanted the network to apologize and the Movie Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) step to in to call the attention of the show’s producers.

So how does it work in the PBB? There’s a “Kuya” in the house who is unseen but whose commands are like king-

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ly orders and whose challenges are a take-it-or-leave-thehouse scenario. Housemates compromise their rights and dignity just to stay in the house until the final day.

We have seen many controversies in the past editions of the PBB--housemates falling for each other in an otherwise “forbidden” relationship, housemates exposing their skimpily-clad bodies before primetime audience, and housemates doing the inconceivable just to impress Big Brother and the voting audience.

In Big Brother editions in foreign countries, it got even worse. There were even sex scandals and nudity in some countries with the Big Brother franchise.

We do not want to be in that level where our norms and dignity are sacrificed for fortune and fame. While many are thrilled to watch PBB in a way like peeping Toms watching these housemates save only for the time when they are in the shower or are comforting themselves, there is the danger of crossing the line between testing one’s character and violating one’s person.

As a franchise, Big Brother has a universal personality embracing mixed cultures. But as a commodity, Big Brother cannot go beyond the norms of Pinoy culture much less trample upon the integrity of its competitors.

KENNETH IRVING K. ONG Creative Solutions

ARLENE D. PASAJE Cartoons

RAMON M. MAXEY Consultant

GREGORIO G. DELIGERO Associate Editor

LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. JOSEPH LAWRENCE P. GARCIA Photography Contributing Photographer

ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR./ CHENEEN R. CAPON Reporters

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

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 63 • THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2014 EDGEDAVAO Reminiscing the country’s sovereignty

C

ELEBRATING THE STRIVES AND HEROICS OF THE FATHERS OF INDEPENDENCE – Unanimity is seen as a way to redirect the energies and encourage the participation of the denizens in the celebration of one of the most laudable event in our history. Today, June 12, the Filipino people will celebrate the country’s 116th Independence Day. For over a century, Filipinos sustained struggles and sacrifices – often risked their lives and limbs and fought for the right of freedom and sovereignty.

Without strives and restraint of our forefathers the dignity of human life and the right to self-determination would be largely improbable.

It is therefore appropriate that on this special occasion we have to retrace historical footsteps: on June 12, 1898, the Filipinos proclaimed their independence. The proclamation was not made alone in Kawit, Cavite by General Emilio Aguinaldo who later became president but in conjunction with over 90 representatives of the Filipino people.

Based on historical details, it was Jose Rianzares, as a matter of fact, who read the Act of Proclamation in the Spanish Language entitled, “Acta de la Proclamacion de la Independencia del Pueblo Filipino” (Act of Proclamation of Independence of the Filipino People). However, more than a decade ago the Office of Foreign Information and Cultural Affairs of the Philippine Embassy based in Brussels, Belgium noted that the notion that Philippine “independence” from America was on July 4, 1946 is “historically inaccurate.”

What actually happened at that time was when President Harry S, Truman, on behalf of the government of the United States of America officially recognized and acknowledged Philippine independence. History books revealed that the following were the words of President Truman in his declaration on July 4, 1946, “On behalf of the

P

USA, I do hereby recognize the independence of the Philippines as a separate and self-governing nation and acknowledge the authority and control over the same by the Government instituted by the people thereof under the Constitution now in force.”

There will be official ceremonies during the celebration of Independence Day all over the country today. As a matter of gratitude we have to recognize and pay respect to the forebears of freedom and dwell on the country’s independence. And we would likewise congratulate government organizers and concerned agencies for remembering and honoring the heroic fathers of Philippine sovereignty. Mabuhay!

SINISTER PLOT IN THE OFFING – Though media coverage has highlighted the country’s remarkable economic growth rate – stable currency, enduring GDP and bullish stock market, it is important to note that opinion on the prevailing economic situation was near-even split between the pros and cons sympathetic either to the progressive movement and church-led self-professed pro-poor advocates or the business interests.

Customarily, President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III will deliver his 5th State-of-the-NationAddress (SONA) probably on the third week of next month. This early different over-bearing progressive groups and militant organizations will almost certainly try to institute an extensive

anti-government campaign aimed at disputing the country’s significant economic growth rate as the president’s SONA draws near.

Initially, hard-nosed militant leaders and opposition die-hards bluntly described the Philippine’s economic benefits a total failure, a mere lip service because they alleged that the so-called “gains have not trickled down to the people, poor sector in particular.” They immediately announced anti-government initiatives, mostly reflecting the problems of the marginal sector that allegedly got the biggest brunt of the shameful pork barrel fund scam.

Early signs suggest that President Benigno Aquino III failed dismally in their self-procured performance ratings chart – 3 out of 10. Conceited leaders of radical groups, as their wont, seek drastic and contentious change – just when improving the economy is becoming increasingly important to the country’s success and people’s well-being. Nonetheless, the Aquino administration and those liberal politicians who see sinister motives behind every move undertaken by radical groups and activist movement will be tempted to raise a question whether it would be in the interest of the majority to fix at such a sensitive time something that isn’t “shattered.”

Still and all, self-satisfied progressive movement and church leaders should better refrain from pushing their weight too much, which is already seemingly an act of interference in the affairs of government. People will appreciate their acts by becoming potential tools of welfare-related projects rather than being obstructionists. Meanwhile people will be glad to see church leaders attending to the confused flock and administer spiritual and moral regeneration program instead of behaving like shrewd politicians. Am I right, gentlemen?

Mind da News: BBL Draft Status Explained

EACE Process Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles last June 6 after the opening program of the International Conference on inter-faith dialogue for peace at the Notre Dame University in Cotabato City told MindaNews that “an announcement will be made next week” as to when the BBL (Bangsamoro Basic Law draft) would be submitted to the Congress, editor Carolyn O. Arguillas reported (MindaNews, June 8, 2014: Congress will get a “more refinedb and strengthened” draft Bangsamoro Basic Law) In a Philippine Daily Inquirer report (We’re rushing Bangsamoro law–Palace) last June 5, Deles said the Palace “would make an important announcement soon” to calm down the growing anxiety on the delay of the submission of the BBL draft to the Congress.

The same was reported in other Manila media.

Yesterday, June 10, Deles’ office website posted the “Press Statement on the Status of the Draft Bangsamoro Law”. This is the “important announcement” Deles had referred to.

Jointly done and signed by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. and BTC Chair Mohagher Iqbal the “Joint Statement” is posted in full below. The numbers in bracket are ours as references to the points we are commenting on.

The Joint Statement During the historic signing of the comprehensive agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), President Benigno S. Aquino III stressed a significant point: “The Agreement we are signing today did not appear magically out of thin air, so too will our next steps have to involve the same trust and long term thinking that brought us to this shared triumph.”

Since then, the members of the Transition Commission have been working on these next steps to craft a Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), consulting with experts and various stakeholders, and building consensus among its members. The President has said that he expects a law that is [1] “equitable, practical, and empowering, and which serves the interests of the entire nation.”

The BTC has in fact submitted to the Office of the President the proposed Basic Law, in accordance with the mandate given to it.

We acknowledge the urgency behind the immediate passage of the BBL. [2] However, we also recognize that a thorough, extensive and comprehensive

MINDAVIEWS

BY PATRICIO P. DIAZ review of the draft law’s numerous provisions is a necessary part of the process to ensure that these are consistent with [3] what the parties agreed upon in the 17 years of peace negotiation.

At present, [4] efforts have already been made to coordinate with the Senate and House leadership to ensure that the draft BBL is submitted to Congress when sessions resume in July.

We believe that [5] investing time in this process will redound to the benefit of all, laying the foundations for peace, prosperity, and progress in Mindanao––a precious legacy that will be cherished by generations of Filipinos, especially our Muslim brothers and sisters in Mindanao, for years to come.

Comments First: The mandate of the President to the BTC is to draft an organic law for the Bangsamoro that is [1] “equitable, practical, and empowering, and which serves the interests of the entire nation.” As acknowledged, the “BTC has in fact submitted to the Office of the President the proposed Basic Law, in accordance with the mandate given to it”.

If so, where is the need of the review and the revision?

Second: But compliance to the mandate is not enough. As jointly stated: “[2] However, we also recognize that a thorough, extensive and comprehensive review of the draft law’s numerous provisions is a necessary part of the process to ensure that these are consistent with [3] what the parties agreed upon in the 17 years of peace negotiation.” This must be the very reason for “[5] investing time in this process” -- a “thorough process of review” by the OP legal team to ensure Congress gets a “more refined and strengthened” draft.

What have “the parties agreed upon in the 17 years of peace negotiation?”

In their press statements earlier this month, did Deles and Palace explain in the review of the BBL draft the OP legal team wants to ensure that all the bill’s provisions are faithful to the Constitution? That

is what the President wants. Any serious legal challenges to the BBL would also delay its implementation.

Does [3] in the Ochoa-Iqbal “Joint Statement” mean that since 1997, Government (GRP then GPH) and MILF have agreed to negotiate according to the 1987 Constitution? But the history of the negotiation – its minutes and notes – belies this. From 1997 to July 27, 2008 --the initialing of the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain – the Constitution was never among the term (TOR) of references of the negotiation. It was haram to the MILF. However, that Iqbal, the MILF chief negotiator as BTC chairman, agreed with Ochoa to issue the “Joint Statement” may show that MILF has agreed to have the 1987 Constitution as the TOR of the BBL draft.

When MILF did agree will be known later. Perhaps, MILF has finally realized that this is for the long-term good of the Bangsamoro.

Third: In an earlier state, Deles said that the OP, her Office and the BTC “had been conducting consultations with some members of Congress” – evidently the Senate President, the House Speaker and some of the top officials. The “ [4] efforts … to coordinate with the Senate and House leadership” must not be just “to ensure that the draft BBL is submitted to Congress” on July 28 but to give assurance of the constitutionality of the BBL draft.

What is the implication?

The President wants to certify to the Congress a BBL draft bill in such legal form and content which the majorities in the Senate and the House can readily adopt and pass. This is a gambit. How this will determine the game ending is most interesting.

And the most interesting is: When the BBL draft is submitted to the Congress on July 28, there will only be 703 days before President Aquino III steps down and out – 23 months. Can the Bangsamor be properly transitioned for its inauguration on June 30, 2016?

May we ask for a “joint statement” from the President and the MILF Chairman? Would they consider this fact of time – so short and can still shorten -- crucial to the Bangsamoro?

[Author’s Note: Mind da News, the alternate of COMMENT, is a comment on current news. The author may be contacted at patponcediaz@yahoo.com.]

VANTAGE POINTS

9

We cannot simply talk peace forever COMMENTARY (SPEECH DELIVERED AT THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF COTABATO ON JUNE 6, 2014).

A

Part 1 of 2

PEACEFUL afternoon to all. Assalamu alaikum.

Allow me to start by thanking the Community of Sant' Egidio together with His Eminence Orlando Cardinal Quevedo, Archbishop of Cotabato, and the Muhammadiyah from Indonesia, for convening all of us for this timely and important dialogue.

The theme that you have chosen — “Peace is Living Together” — captures the very essence of what the Aquino administration aims to achieve through the peace process.

Ang proseso tungo sa kapayapaan ay para sa lahat ng Pilipino. Sama-sama tayong lahat sa pagsulong, pagbantay at pagkalinga sa tunay at ganap na kapayapaan, dahil sama-sama rin tayong makikinabang sa kaunlaran na kaakibat nito.

We all know that we cannot simply talk peace forever. We need to build the structures for it, and prepare the communities for the transition from conflict to peace, while bringing down the barriers that have kept it away. With the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro last March, all of these components are not only possible, but very much within our reach.

Thus, the inclusive nature of and approach to the peace process in Mindanao and across other peace tables is your theme personified. And I thank the European Union, the Italian Government, and the Spanish Cooperation for supporting this historic Conference on Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue for Peace.

Should I start with some updates? First, let me allay some fears and slay a few rumors about the socalled delay in the submission of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) to Congress. Our political road map is firmly in place and we are fully confident that we are installing a process which will ensure, within an acceptable and doable time frame, that the BBL which will be enacted by Congress, will live up to people’s expectations as a measure worthy of broadbased support, and one that is faithful to our Constitution. In this regard, all parties concerned are striving to meet the standards set by the President at the historic signing of the CAB for the BBL to be a law that is “equitable, practical, and empowering and which serves the interests of the entire nation.”

Even as the draft submitted by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) undergoes a thorough process of review, the Office of the President’s legal team, as well as the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), the BTC, as well as local governments in partnership with civil society groups and the private sector have been conducting and supporting stakeholders’ dialogues and consultations on the ground as well as on the level of national government agencies and of the ARMM government, and even with the leadership and some members of Congress. Perhaps we should look at what’s going on from a glass-half-full perspective: We have waited 17 long years for a mutually binding and acceptable peace process with the MILF; and yet that has been achieved within three years of this administration. We can be bold in taking a few more days, if not weeks, to ensure a more refined and strengthened draft BBL to be stewarded by the leadership of both Houses of Congress through the legislative process and thereafter for ratification through plebiscite.

President Aquino is determined to wield the democratic process to install the Bangsamoro as a partner in ensuring common prosperity, collective security, and good governance in the four corners of our archipelago. We in government, take our shared journey to peace through the Bangsamoro very seriously.

It is just as personal to us, as it is to all of you in this room. And the President has repeatedly committed to wield his leadership and muster the necessary political capital to ensure the law will be passed and that the law that will be passed will serve the welfare and interest of the Bangsamoro surely but also of other areas in Mindanao, and of the entire Philippines.

Perhaps we should also be reminded that the political process is a major stepping-stone to the attainment of something that is bigger than that process itself: a national vision and people’s aspiration for genuine peace. Let me articulate that vision for you.

Through the Bangsamoro, we shall strengthen the politics of reconciliation and build an economy of equal opportunity. No one – Muslim, Christian, Lumad or of any other faith – will be left behind. Each will enjoy the benefits of good governance, social equity, and most of all, the rule of law, in a society of cultural and religious diversity. This inclusivity is mirrored by how the BTC was formed, with representatives of Muslim, Christian, and indigenous people appointed as commissioners. The envisioned Bangsamoro ministerial government will also have allotted seats to ensure that diverse voices will be heard as part of policy-making and good governance. The central government will always uphold its role to ensure that unity in diversity flourishes, and that peaceful coexistence and shared prosperity shall be the norm in a Bangsamoro era.

10 NEWS Peace... FFROM 1

opment-ready area.

The manifesto signing will be participated by Association of Regional Executives of National Agencies – XI, Youth for Peace, Paquibato District Civic Organizations, Non Government Organization, Philippine Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA), Hon. Bebot Niño, Association of Barangay Capatains President in Paquibato District, Mayor Duterte, Second District Reperesntative Mylene Garcia

Alabano, Vice Mayor Paolo Z. Duterte, AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Bautista, Lt.Gen. Ricardo Rainier G. Cruz III of Eastern Mindanao Command, 10th Infantry Division commander Maj.Gen. Ariel Bernardo, Police director Angelito N. Pacia, Directorate for Integrated Police Operation - Eastern Mindanao and Davao City Police Office director Sr. Supt. Vicente D. Danao Jr. The mayor will also award land titles to beneficiaries in the area.

the total applicant to be employed but it is still up to the employer to decide.

“This is quite low because most applicants we have are not industry ready,” he said, adding that job mismatch is still an issue in the labor sector.

“Sa dami ng applicants sa job fair hindi na nila naipapamalas sa employers and kanilang skills kaya yung iba napupunta sa further interview while yung iba wala talaga,” Suyao said in a presscon.

He said that employers see potential and skills to applicants that were set for further interview.

While some needs more years of experience that’s why we encourage companies to refer these applicants to to Technical Education and Skills Development Authority for further training and eventually improve their employability.

Aside from the job fair, a one stop shop composed of SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-Ibig, National Bureau of Investigation, Department of Foreign Affairs, National Statistics Office, Tesda, and members from the Regional Coordinating Council will also be put in place during the fair. [CRC]

council should be also represented by Non-Government Organizations or People’s Organization operating within Davao City, to be appointed by the city mayor, upon the recommendation of the member subject to the concurrence of the person concern.

The EO said that the function of City Nutrition council is to assist the local chief executive in identification, development, harnessing and effective utilization of available resources for the optimal, efficient and effective implementation of sustainable nutrition programs.

The council should develop a comprehensive, integrated specific City Nutrition Action Program and coordinate the implementation and monitoring of agency nutri-

tion activities.

The council should also monitor, assess, evaluate the program implementation including Barangay nutrition program performance, submit quarterly report to the mayor, and perform other function as may be designated by the chairperson.

The also created a technical consultants working and secretariat support to assist the council on the discharge of its function.

The group will be composed of City Legal Officer, Human Resource and Management Officer, Consultant of Special Concerns, Executive Assistant of the City Mayor, Consultant on Socio-Economic Planning, Budget Officer, City Accountant and City Treasurer.

the annual preventive maintenance servicing of its Puan Substation. Said power cut will affect DCWD’s Talomo Booster Station.

Third set is for six hours from 9:00 PM of June 14 until 3:00 AM of June 15 and will affect some areas in Bago Gallera specifically Samantha Homes Subd., Mega Homes, Kaliraya Subd., Spring Valley and Bago Gallera Road (from junction of Baliok Road to junction of Davao-Cotabato Road); some areas in Bago Aplaya specifically the entire Gallera de Oro Subd., Catotal Subd., BAVNAI Village, SANAI Village and from Bago Crossing to SANAI Village; and all their immediate environs. This water cut is needed to allow the Pipelines and Appurtenances Maintenance crew of DCWD to install gate valves for the bypass for the installation of a Pressure Regulating Valve at Bago Gallera Road near the entrance of Samantha Homes Subdivision. Completion of

said project will help reduce non-revenue water.

DCWD acting general manager Edwin V. Regalado advises would-be affected customers to store enough water prior to the scheduled water interruptions as water supply may be restored earlier if work goes smoothly or later if unforeseen problems arise. He likewise asks for their understanding and cooperation.

The general public may visit DCWD website (www. davao-water.gov.ph) and official Facebook account (www. facebook.com/davaowater) or call the Central Information Unit / Call Center through the 24-hour hotline 297-DCWD (3293) and press “1” on their phone dial to listen to latest daily water updates. They may also call / text 0927-7988966, 09255113293 and 0908-4410653 for other updates, complaints, queries and matters pertaining to DCWD services. [Jovana T. Duhaylungsod]

5,000...FFROM 2

City...FFROM 2

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 63 • THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2014

RESPOND. Davao City Central 911 medical personnel apply first aid to a sick elderly woman before taking her to a nearby hospital along E. Quirino Avenue yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

30 colleges hike fees ... FFROM 2 versity of Mindannao- Main; UM Bansalan; UM Digos; UM Panabo; UM Peñaplata; and UM Tagum.

For tuition fee increase, CHED 11 only approved the applciation of St. Peter’s College of Toril while Arriesgado College Foundation; Holy Cross of Calinan; John Paul II College of Davao; and Philippine Women’s College of Davao were okayed to increase their other school fees only.

The increase was approved

by the Regional Multi-Sectoral Committee on Tuition Fee and Other School Fees XI (RMSCTOSF XI) which is composed of representatives from National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Department of Education (DepEd); National Youth Commission (NYC), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), student leaders and faculty members from both public and private HEIs. It says that “the committee

found the proposed TOSF reasonable and compliant with the existing guidelines. Thus, after another thorough review

by CHED 11, the TOSF application for increase of following HEIs is effective for school year 2014- 2015.”

Earlier, CHED 11 regional director Raul C. Alvarez, Jr. said that the tuition fee increase is the only way for private schools to increase salaries and benefits of their teachers and improve facilities that is

based on CHED Memorandum Order No. 08 series of 2012.

It states that “For intended increase in tuition, 70 percent of the incremental proceeds of the tuition fee increase shall be used for the benefit of teaching and non-teaching personnel and other staff.”

Alvarez said that 20 percent will be attributed to the improvement of facilities while the remaining 10 percent will proceed as school’s return on investment (ROI).

Thus in the resolution, the Board cited that the “senior citizens may use their OSCA-issued Senior Citizens ID card or any identification document mentioned in the IRR that indicates a senior citizen’s age or birthdate, as well as his/ her Filipino citizenship in the availment of discount benefits

and other privileges under RA 9994.”

With the said clarification, the Board “directs all government agencies to amend their respective issuances and supplemental guidelines implementing RA 9994 to conform with the law’s provisions.”

DTI-Davao Offi-

cer-in-Charge Ma. Belenda Q. Ambi said that with the issuance of the resolution by the Board, DTI hopes that the establishments will already be honoring other identification documents of senior citizens availing of their benefits and privileges.

“This particular resolution

will hopefully end the confusion among establishments,” she said.

For inquiries and other concerns relative to the resolution, DTI-Davao’s Consumer Welfare and Trade Regulation Division (CWTRD) can be reached at (082) 224-0511 local 411 or 420.

Puan, Talomo and Bago.

Some of Davao City Water District’s pumping stations located in the above mentioned

areas will also be affected by these service disruptions.

Davao Light apologizes for the inconvenience of these

scheduled power interruptions. But it will exert all efforts to restore electric service as scheduled or earlier. However,

there may be instances where restoration may extend beyond the schedule due to unavoidable circumstances.

Jinggoy Estrada, who is one of three senators facing plunder and graft charges over the pork barrel scam.

No one expressed objec-

tion to the confirmation of the five officials on the floor, except for Senator Serge Osmeña, who asked the commission to change his vote

for Paje from affirmative to negative.

Osmeña also asked the body to be allowed to explain his decision in writing at a

later date.

Soliman, on the other hand, previously got an objection from Senator Miriam Santiago.

Philippines shared the same sentiment.

“It is sad to know na deteriorating na ang ating language na Filipino. Wala na yung identity natin as Filipino,” Yu said.

Yu mentioned that the implementation of K-12 curriculum in the basic education had a big impact in propagating

the national language.

“Na-le-lessen ang usage and learning ng bata sa wikang Filipino kasi mother tongue na ginagamit natin katulad dito sa Davao na wikang bisaya ang gamit natin. Na-le-lessen in all levels,” she said.

However, Yu said that

there was a proposal now in USEP that aims to create the B.S. Education major in Filipino.

“It is to ensure that even we can still produce competitive teachers who will teach Filipino in lower levels,” she said.

If approved by the Univer-

sity and CHED 11, it is planned to be implemented next year.

While AdDU is planning to transfer their tertiary Filipino teachers in senior level.

Both teachers implementation that will commence on 2016 will not also affect students but also teachers who can lose their jobs.

Gov’t ...FFROM 3

30-minute ... FFROM 3 De Lima ...FFROM 3 Use...FFROM 3

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 63 • THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2014

BIGGER PICTURE

11

Is golden rice the answer

to hidden hunger?

By GERRY T. ESTRERA PHOTOS COURTESY OF IRRI

R

ICE helps feed almost half the people on the planet. As such, rice is not only the most important food staple in Asia, but also in the world today.

In the Philippines, rice is the leading staple food. As the late food epicure Doreen Fernandez wrote: “If we did not have rice, our deepest comfort food, we would probably feel less Filipino.”

According to the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics, Filipinos spend more on rice than any other food. A survey conducted by the line agency of the Department of Agriculture showed that Filipinos, especially those from low-income households, are depending solely on rice more than ever for their daily dietary energy supply and dietary protein because it remains the most affordable food in the country.

Nutritionists claim rice contains carbohydrates, protein, minerals, vitamins, and fiber. Rice does not only help solve hunger but also “hidden hunger,” the colloquial term for micronutrient deficiency. It happens when people get enough macronutrients (such as carbohydrates, protein, and fat), but not enough micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) for optimum health.

The 2013 State of Food and Agriculture report of the Rome-based UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) states that two billion people suffer from one or more micronutrient defi-

“The impact of hidden hunger on people’s health is very real,” the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) said in a statement.

“It can result in more frequent and severe illness and complications during pregnancy, childbirth, infancy, and childhood.”

Enter the controversial golden rice. It is called so because it contains beta carotene, which is converted to vitamin A when eaten. “Because rice is so popular in the Philippines,” says IRRI, “providing rice that is more nutritious and that contains beta carotene could help boost people’s vitamin A status. In turn, this could reduce the extent and impact of vitamin A deficiency among Filipinos.”

Consuming adequate amounts of vitamin A reduces overall child mortality by 23-34%. A research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2009 showed that daily consumption of a cup of rice, about 150 grams uncooked weight, could supply half of the Recommended Daily Allowance of Vitamin A for an adult.

Vitamin A is found naturally in many foods, including liver of chicken, beef, pork, and fish. Most of them, however, can be found in root crops (carrot and sweet potato) vegetables (broccoli and tomato), and milk products (cheese and butter), and fruits (papaya, mango, melon).

es, however, are beyond the reach of poor people, particularly those living in shanty places, upland areas, and rural communities. So, some scientists came up of an unthinkable idea: that of putting vitamin A in rice, as 89% of Filipinos consume rice on a daily basis.

Normally, rice plants produce beta-carotene in their green parts, but not the grain that people eat. Golden rice is genetically engineered to produce beta-carotene in the edible part of the plant.

Using genetic modification techniques, respected scientists developed golden rice using genes from corn and a common soil microorganism that together produce beta carotene in the rice grain.

According to IRRI, conventional breeding programs could not be used to develop golden rice because rice varieties do not contain significant amounts of beta carotene.

Credited for discovering the golden rice were Ingo Potrykus, who was 65 at that time and was about to retire as a professor at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, and Peter Beyer of the University of Freiburg. “My team targeted vitamin A deficiency because this is one of the largest health problems worldwide,” Prof. Potrykus was quoted as saying.

In 2005, scientists develop the current version

ippines, the first generation golden rice was first tested in advanced field trials in IRRI in 2008. The second generation of selected varieties was field tested in the wet season of 2010. At the state-owned Philippine Rice Research (PhilRice), confined field trials of advanced lines were conducted in February to June 2011.

“The field trials are an important step in evaluating the performance of golden rice and to determine if it can be planted, grown, and harvested just like other popular rice varieties,” PhilRice said in a statement. “These trials are also part of the safety assessment of golden rice.”

But despite the good things that golden rice brings, there are those who are against its commercialization.

“The statement that golden rice would solve

world hunger is ludicrous,” wrote Leonard Pollara of Organic Sage Consulting.

“The proposal that any agricultural activity that relies upon a concentrated vertically-integrated food supply to end world hunger flies in the face of history and reality.”

One of the key arguments is that golden rice, once sold, will serve only the interest of multinational companies, an issue that is well-anchored on intellectual property rights.

Others claim that the golden rice was just a ploy of agrochemical companies.

To quote the words of Father Shay Cullen in an article he wrote recently: “They own and supply the specific fertilizer that makes the seed grow and upon which it is dependent. In this way, the corporations control the food supply through their

genetically-modified seed and food products.”

International group Greenpeace, which has made a concerted effort to block golden rice’s introduction since it was announced in 2000, claims that vitamin A-fortified rice may not be effective in delivering vitamin A to children.

“The real reason Greenpeace is opposed to golden rice is because it is genetically modified and it can’t seem to imagine that even one beneficial crop might result from this technique,” writes Dr. Patrick Moore, a co-founder of Greenpeace who helped lead the organization for 15 years but is now an independent ecologist and environmentalist.

“It is willing to put its zero-tolerance ideology ahead of a critical humanitarian mission.”

12 CLASSIFIED

VOL. 7 ISSUE 63 • THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2014

INdulge!

VOL. 7 ISSUE 63 • THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

FOOD

Meriyenda: Snacktime Pinoy style Independence day is a time when we as a nation celebrate what is best in our culture and what is more pinoy than sitting down to have some meriyenda? although Western cultures do have a coffee break in the afternoon for that shot of caffeine, the meriyenda spread is more complex than just taking sips from a cup of joe and a sandwich.

Typically a light meal in between lunch and dinner, meriyenda is a pick-me-up of sorts right after an afternoon siesta. Of course being that it IS more fun in the philippines an afternoon snack is never boring with an endless choice of dishes to choose from. In fact, while I was growing up, the choices for meriyenda can range from the savoury pancit Lug-lug to simple either Bibingka (rice cakes) and Tsokolate, all the way to a sweet piping hot bowl Binignit (a stew containing yam, sweet potato, balls made of glutenous rice flour, tapioca pearls, jackfruit, and coconut milk). even today, there it is relatively easy to find typical Filipino meriyenda dishes around the city as these have been integrated into mainstream Filipino restaurants mainly because we pinoys really love to eat. One such place in durianburg where one can have his or her fill of home-style Filipino mer-

iyenda favourites is at the White House asian cuisine and Wine-Lounge. although known for fine dining and asian fusion cuisine, cathy Binag, the owner wants to showcase Filipino rustic and generous home food cooking in the White House’s all-youcan-eat-meriyenda buffet from three to five in the afternoon.

“Our Filipino merienda treat offers an overflowing sweet delights that will not only satisfy your cravings and complete your day, but also will bring back happy memories of home and family,” Binag said. “you can enjoy the mas-

sive spread of delectable, sweet dishes including puto bumbong, bibingka, binignit (ginataang halohalo), champorado, sopas, ginataang mais, lumpiang sariwa, pancit luglog, lugaw, tokwa’t baboy, mais con yelo, saba con yelo, turon, lumpiang gulay, suman sa latik, and halohalo for only php450.”

“The best chefs in the universe are our own mothers and with great joy, the White House wants to share these secrets with you through a table full of merienda treats garnished with the joys of home and the affection and love of mothers,” Binag said.

The White House is located at Camella Northpoint along J.P. Laurel Avenue in Davao City.

For reservations, kindly call (082) 2824540 and +639154483601.

Follow me on Instagram or on Twitter @kennethkingong for more travel tips, foodie finds and happenings in, around, and beyond Durianburg.

The trio of fried lumpia, tokwa’t baboy and pancit Lug-lug made me go back for seconds and thirds.

The bibingka at the White House is divine.

I loved the warm, rich, flavourful and comforting lugaw (Filipino-style congee).

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

UP AnD ABOUT

Davao SM malls to hold benefit run to build houses for ‘Yolanda’ survivors On June 15, the two SM Supermalls in Davao City are to spearhead an ‘SM to SM Run’ to raise funds for the survivors of typhoon Yolanda, which ravaged parts of the Visayas region in november 2013.

SM City Davao and SM Lanang Premier, along with its partners, will stage the city’s first color fun run on Sunday at 4 am, which will start and end in SM City Davao Parking C, with the 21k turnaround point in SM Lanang Premier.

Runners can choose to join from among 3 categories: 21-kilometer with a registration fee of P500, 5-kilometer and 3-kilometer at P250.

Up to P75,000 worth of prizes will be given away to the participants.

Special prizes for fun categories will be awarded to the following: Most number of family members joining the run; Couples; Pet dog and masters; Masked Hero Costume; and Father and child.

Registration booths are located at the ground floor of SM City Davao and the upper ground level of SM Lanang Premier.

The SM to SM Color Fun Run is supported by Edge Davao, Coca-Cola, Park Inn by Radisson Davao, ABS-CBn, Happy Lemon, M Magazine, Power Mac Center, Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Lapanday, and LBC. All proceeds of the event will be donated to the SM Cares Yolanda Housing Project, which is part of SM Foundation Inc. and SM Cares’ recovery and rehabilitation program for the victims of the typhoon. Last December, SM committed to building typhoon-resilient houses for 1,000 affected families.

For more information, visit SM City Davao and SM Lanang Premier on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Abreeza Mall celebrates Independence Day with a special AFP exhibit and discounts for soldiers FROM June 12 to 15, 2014, Abreeza Mall observes the 116th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine independence with a series of events highlighting Filipino courage and inspiring today’s generations to embody the spirit of bravery.

Together with the Eastern Mindanao Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Abreeza Mall presents Kalayaan 2014, a four-day program at the Abreeza Mall Activity Center that commences on June 12, Independence Day. A major feature of the series is the AFP Static Display, which gives mall-goers a fascinating glimpse into military life by showcasing different paraphernalia that demonstrate the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ warfighting and disaster response capabilities. In the following days, institutional videos will also be shown to better inform mall-goers about the functions of the AFP. A fun component of Kalayaan 2014 is the military-inspired Obstacle Course, which takes over the Activity Center from June 13 to 15 and is open for mall-goers to try out.

On June 15, Father’s Day, the Obstacle Course turns into a family-friendly challenge for father-and-child teams to experience.

Abreeza Mall also salutes the men and women who look after our independence by offering special discounts to soldiers and veterans from June 12 to 15. Abreeza Mall Cinemas offer 15% off on ticket purchases, while Adidas, Annipie, Chimes, Emilia’s, Fully Booked, Gerry’s Grill, Isis, Mags, Mossimo, Paraiba, Samsonite, Shoe Salon, Taters, TGI Friday’s, Tommy Hilfiger, and WAGW all provide perks and discounts to soldiers and veterans upon presentation of a valid Philippine Air Force, Philippine Army, Philippine navy, or Philippine Veterans Affairs Office ID .

For inquiries and updates on Abreeza Mall events, please visit the Main Concierge at the ground floor or call (082) 3219332. Stay updated by liking www.facebook.com/AbreezaMall and following @abreezatweets on Twitter and @iloveabreezamall on Instagram.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 63 • THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2014

EnTERTAInMEnT

Marian Rivera previews dance show at TNT ‘Panalo Ka, Pilipinas!’ show TaLk ‘n TexT (TnT) ka-tropa and primetime actress Marian Rivera gave thousands of davaoeños a glimpse of her upcoming dance show as she owned the stage of the recent ‘panalo ka, pilipinas!’ leg in Tagum city, davao del norte.

Glowing in her floral sundress, Marian drew loud cheers as she showed her sexy moves while singing Jennifer Lopez’s hit, “dance again.” The crowd went wild as she challenged two lucky TnT subscribers for a dance showdown, proving in the end that she has all the gracefulness to be this generation’s dancing queen. “dream come true talaga ito for me,” Marian said of her self-titled TV show, set to air in June in her home network.

“Masayang-masaya ako na maipakita sa inyo dahil iba talaga ang energy ng mga ka-tropa – panalong-panalo!,” she told the crowd.

It was easily one of the highlights of ‘panalo ka, pilipinas!,” a full day of fun-filled games, raffles and entertainment mounted by TnT to celebrate its 14th anniversary. “‘panalo ka, pilipinas!’ is a way for us to reach out and thank our loyal subscribers nationwide for making us the mobile prepaid brand in the country with the biggest “tropa,” said TnT department Head and Vice president carlo endaya.

“It’s a big bonding activity for all our ka-tropas, and we hope to give them their own panalo experiences with all the games, prizes and celebrity performances,” endaya added. aside from Marian, the Tagum show was graced by other TnT ka-tropas Jhong Hilario, who heated up the stage with his dance

ABOVE: Thousands of Davaoeños attend Talk ‘N Text ‘Panalo Ka, Pilipinas’ celebration in Tagum, Davao del Norte, graced by TNT ka-tropas Marian Rivera, Jhong Hilario and Itchyworms.

LEFT: Primetime actress and Talk ‘N Text Ka-tropa Marian Rivera dances to J.Lo’s hit ‘Dance Again’ before thousands of Davaoeños during the Tagum leg of TNT ‘Panalo Ka, Pilipinas!,’ a series of games shows mounted by TNT for its 14th anniversary celebration. Thousands showed up at the Tagum City plaza for a chance to win cellphones, a motorcycle, cash prizes and other TNT premium items.

moves, and pop rock band Itchyworms, who drove the crowd to sing along their hits such as “arawaraw panalo,” ayaw kong Tumanda,” “akin ka na Lang,” and “Beer,” among others.

More than entertaining, TnT ‘panalo ka, pilipinas!’ also proved to be lifechanging for 20-year-old Joefer abelleja, who won a total of pHp101,101 at the jackpot round of ‘piso O panalo’ game.

“Malaking tulong talaga ito sa pag-aaral ko at sa future ko. Itatabi ko ito para sa plano kong magtrabaho sa barko,” said abelleja, a

fourth year Hotel and Restaurant Management student, who also noted that he has been a loyal TnT subscriber for nine years.

Meanwhile, 39-yearold old mechanic Richelle Maiz went home with a brand new motorcycle and a cartful of grocery items after guessing the right amount of the items at the ‘panalo kung price is Right’ game.

“Maraming salamat talaga sa TnT dahil may gagamitin na ang pamilya ko pang-service. Matagal na talaga kami sa TnT dahil sa sulit na pang-text at pantawag,” said Maiz, who

has been a ka-tropa for the past 10 years now.

More ‘panalo ka, pilipinas!’ celebrations prior to Tagum, TnT had celebrated with katropas in Quezon, kabankalan and Butuan. It is also set to bring the game show experience to katropas in Manila, cavite, pampanga and Ilocos Sur, featuring aljur abrenica, kylie padilla, empress Schuck, Jericho Rosales and Robin padilla.

To keep updated about the latest ‘panalo ka, pilipinas!’ happenings, and get to know how to join in the fun, just follow TnT’s official accounts on Facebook (www.facebook. com/TalknText), Twitter (@TalknText), and youTube (www.youtube.com/ talkntexttv).

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

VOL. 7 ISSUE 63 • THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2014

‘Celestine’ introduces Toni as a singer-songwriter ULTIMATE Multimedia Star Toni Gonzaga unleashes the songwriter in her through her seventh album under Star Records titled “Celestine.”

It carries the original track, “This Love Is Like,” which she co-wrote with seasoned composer and album producer Jonathan Manalo and “Awit ni Ginny,” a song based on her character’s name in Star Cinema’s box-office hit movie “Starting Over Again,” where she starred with Piolo Pascual. She composed it while waiting

on the set of the film.

“The songs in my album are more personal and closer to my heart. It shows who I really am as a singer, as an artist,” shared Toni, who personally chose to make her real name, Celestine, as the title of her newest album.

“My real name, Celestine, means heavenly. And like my name, I believe that this album is a great gift from heaven. It took a while for it to be finished but God’s timing is always perfect.

This is the best album I’ve ever done,” shared Toni.

Toni believes that her 10-track album, “Celestine,” also shows her growth as a performer. “Having been through a lot in this business, I have learned how to relate more with every song that I record. now, I have a good grip of what each track wants to convey to my listeners,” she explained.

Aside from Toni’s compositions, “Celestine” also features original tracks namely “Got You,” “Finally,” “Sweetest Song,” “Oh Boy,” “Di Ba Halata,” “Kahit na” (Remix), and the Moophs remix of

“This Love Is Like,” which is produced by Chris Lopez.

The album also contains Toni’s rendition of “Starting Over Again.”

“Celestine” album is now available in record bars nationwide for only P250. The tracks can also be downloaded via iTunes, www. amazon.com, www.mymusicstore.com.ph and www. starmusic.ph.

For more information about Toni’s “Celestine” album, visit Star Records’ Facebook fanpage at Facebook. com/starrecordsphil or follow @starrecordsph on Twitter.

Marion Aunor celebrates Philippine Independence at SM Lanang Premier JOIn the 116th Philippine Independence Day celebration at Mindanao’s premier shopping and lifestyle hub – SM Lanang Premier – as it stages activities that pay tribute to the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Listen to original Pilipino Music at the Pinoy Musicfest featuring Filipino singercomposer Marion Aunor as she plays live on the grand piano at the Atrium. A niece of actress and singer nora Aunor, Marion made her debut on February 2013 with her original song titled “If You Ever Change Your Mind”. The song was one of the twelve finalists of the 2013 edition of Himig Handog P-Pop Love Songs which later on won third

place in the competition.

Under Star Records, she released her self-titled album on July 4 of 2013.

As an additional Independence Day treat, shoppers can also enjoy the Pinoy Fun Sale at SM Lanang Premier on June 12 and get up to 70% off on selected items.

Be part of the Independence Day celebration at SM Lanang Premier.

For inquiries, contact 285-0943 loc. 135-138.

You may also visit SM Lanang Premier on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for news, promos and event updates.

Vilma says ‘The Legal Wife’ one of country’s most memorable teleseryes STAR For All Seasons Vilma Santos considers ABS-CBn’s most talked-about family drama series, “The Legal Wife,” as one of the country’s most memorable teleseryes.

“It’s a unique TV program that reflects how Filipinos value the family. It shows the importance of the relationship of husband and wife, and the things that they go through when facing trials,” said Vilma about the top-rating, Twittertrending primetime series that is set to give viewers the “most exciting finale” this Friday (June 13).

“In ‘The Legal Wife,’ Mon-

hard for her family. She showed that when you’re the legal wife, you’re really in control,” said Vilma, who is a self-confessed avid follower of the entwined lives of Monica, Adrian (Jericho Rosales), nicole (Maja Salvador) and Max (JC de Vera).

Like many of the diehard supporters of the show, Vilma also has her own opinion as to the “right ending” for Monica’s love story.

“If I’m Monica and I’ve already exhausted all means (to keep the re-

and yet both Adrian and I are still miserable, then it’s time to part ways,” she said.

In

the end, where will their own decisions take Monica, Adrian, nicole, and Max? Don’t miss the finale week of “The Legal Wife” every night after “Ikaw Lamang” on ABS-CBn Primetime Bida. For more updates about the show, simply visit its website www.thelegalwife.abs-cbn. com and its official social networking sites at Facebook.com/thelegalwife2013, Instagram. com/iam _ thelegalwife, and Twitter.com/ IAmTheLe -

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 2D *Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler GP

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

THE FAULT IN OUR STARS 2D / * EDGE OF TOMORROW 2D Shailene Woodley, Ansel Elgort / * Tom Cruise, Emily Blunt PG 13 / * PG 13

12:30 | 2:55 LFS / * 5:20 | 7:40 | 10:00 LFS

BLENDED 2D / * NOAH 2D Adam Sandler, Drew Barrymore / *Russell Crowe

R-16

PG 13 / * R13

12:00 | 2:20 LFS / * 4:40 | 7:20 | 10:00 LFS

MY ILLEGAL WIFE 2D Pokwang, Zanjoe Marudo PG 13

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

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

VOL. 7 ISSUE 63 • THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2014

FOOD

Fit for a king!

Delicious meals for Dad EDGEDavao Davao Partners

FaTHeR’S day is just around the corner and what better way to show our lifetime appreciation to our first love but through a gastronomical feast fit for a kInG! Some like it meaty while others opt for a more fishy taste. nonetheless, all of them like it HOT – be it hot off the grill, gastronomically hot or just heated hot, nothing beats a plateful of hotness served dearly for our loving fathers.

For the love of protein, here are some of the most requested dishes that will surely have your dad’s applauding with every bite. Remember, you can always tweak it according to your tatay’s preference. Happy Father’s day and happy cooking!

Address: Tionko Street, Davao City Call:

09178739767

Service Offered:

Catering services for all occassions

Bare Steak (Caveman Steak) How do you grill a steak directly on charcoal? prepare your steaks. Trim off excess. dO nOT SeaSOn! prepare your grill. Have it hot and smoky. Once hot, spread evenly. at this point, most add flavor, herbs and spices, to their charcoal for that added smoky taste. nonetheless, this is optional.

Set the steaks directly onto the coals. Grill for 4-6 minutes. check for texture by poking the meat with a toothpick or your bare hands.

Remove them from the fire.

Rid steak of any coal ashes. you can also brush a bit of eVOO (extra virgin olive oil) for that added sheen. add this point, you can add some salt

Curried Fish with Coconut and Mushroom. and pepper. keep it simple and bare. The key here is keeping the steak juicy and meaty.

Let the steaks rest at least 10 minutes before you slice it.

Slow Cooked Baby Back Ribs now you can have a feast at home – just like how royalties in the olden times do it! cut the ribs into serving size portions. Trim off excess.

Tip: you can ask your butcher to do this for you. pat dry ribs with a paper towel. Sprinkle each section with your choice of spice and herb mixture. Let the flavors soak into the meat.

In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 3 tablespoons honey, 2 chopped onions, and 1 teaspoon crushed and grilled red bell pepper. Soak the ribs and leave for 30 or overnight. you can also add some garlic powder to make it more flavorful.

Broil the ribs. This is optional but would certainly give your ribs more flavor. Here, you need to preheat the broiler.

Take your marinated ribs and place them on the broiler pan.

Broil ribs for 12 minutes of until brown. after broiling, transfer your ribs to the slow cooker. Here, you can add more of the marinade to make it more flavorful. cover and cook for 7 hours or

until it is tender.

Once done, transfer to a serving plate and keep a bowl of sauce on the side. you can serve this with some buttered or grilled vegetables or even rice. *** For the other half of my existence, my daddy Samel G. ambolodto, I am forever indebted for the love, the care and the understanding you have for Mama and I. We may not live in the same zip code but always remember daddy that whenever we look in the mirror, we see each other. I love you, daddy and happy father’s day.

Curried Fish with Coconut and Mushroom For the king’s who’d rather splurge on the healthy abundance of the sea, here’s one recipe that is most definitely fir for you to indulge. you can also use shells, shrimps and crabs to make this dish more sea friendly.

Thaw and pat dry each fish fillets with a paper towel. Trim off the edges.

In a clean, dry bowl, stir together 2/3 cup of all-purpose flour, ½-teaspoon garlic powder and ½-teaspoon pepper; mix well. Others often add milk to this mixture. place fish fillets and coat thoroughly.

Shake off excess and set aside.

Heat large skillet, with oil, over medium-high heat. Once hot, cook fillets for 1-2 minutes per side or until crisp and brown. you need not cook the fish through – it would be simmered later on. Set aside and repeat all fillets are until done.

In the same pan, reduce the heat and add half of the fresh coconut milk (1/2 cup). cook until the coconut milk is hot and foamy. add 3 tablespoon yellow curry paste and stir for about 2 minutes. If using powdered curry, add 4 tablespoon powder and 1 tablespoon oil to achieve a paste. add the rest of the coconut milk together with ½ cup tepid water, 2 tablespoon brown sugar, 2 tablespoon fish sauce, julienned knob of ginger and 2 lime leaves (if using). Stir for 2 minutes then add mushroom pieces (use whole mushroom instead of the tinned ones).

Return the fish pieces to the pan. Spoon the curry sauce over the fish. Simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until fish has cooked through. discard lime leaves. Best served over rice.

Cabbage- Mango Slaw always keep a refreshing salad on the side to neutralize the flavors.

In a bowl, mix together 4 cups shredded cabbage, 1/2 cup onion (finely chopped), ½ cup cubed mango, 1/2 cup chopped nuts, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 cup natural yoghurt and 1/4 cup vinegar. combine well and season to taste.

Serve chilled.

To all the Father’s, salute to a lifetime of blissful happiness. you are the true superheroes!

Make #TheRoyalChef your Thursday habit! Email me at leebay457@yahoo.com (subject:RoyalChef) or tag me on instagram (herroyalheiress) for your delicious pics and food finds!

13 ICT HUB

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 63 • THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2014

‘Stick’ to the goal CHILL JILL

Athena Jillian Bravo

T

HE World Cup fever is on.

Yes, the world’s biggest sports spectacle after the Olympics is undoubtedly the World Cup which happens every four years. This year happens to be another World Cup year and

Brazil will play host to the best football nations of the world.

The World Cup fever spills over to the cyberworld as game makers try to make game apps out of football. While the most popular remains to be the FIFA 2K14 game, some came up with interesting versions with some twists.

The world’s most popular sport is also probably the most popular sport with game app versions in the same manner as there are basketball game apps like NBA 2K14 and NBA Jam and golf apps like PGA Tour.

One of the games people look after aside from basketball is football not just because of its super strikers but because they

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simulate the World Cup’s national teams. People love soccer and I know you will too with this cool app that will make you be a part

of your country’s pride.

Stickman Football 2014 is a fast paced game with very cool features. You will never get

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bored because all of the signature moves of famous players like Messi and Neymar are available in this game.

Feel like a football superstar as you represent your own country in the game or any country you desire to play. As for us, you can be one of the Azkals only that you wont see a face of the Younghusbands. We are talking about Stickman Azkals players here.

Kick the ball towards the goal with the game controls same as those used in football game apps in the market.

Get a chance to play in various seasons, in the World Cup, America Cup, Europe Cup and

may more. You may also control your whole team to keep the ball running towards your teammates and away from the opponent.

Since summer does not end yet, they also have beach football that will ease your boredom from playing standard football pitches. The game itself kind of gives you a different high.

Stickman Football has over 10 million players as it was released in the market and the number is still growing.

Now, get ready for the game of your life as the “ole ole” chants play in the background. Eyes on the ball and kick it to the goal.

14 SPORTS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 63 • THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2014

Ivanovic wins in Birmingham

WIMBY WAMUP. Serbia’s Ana Ivanovic returns against Germany’s Mona Barthel during their second round match at the WTA Aegon Classic tennis tournament at Edgbaston Priory Club, Birmingham, central England

A

NA Ivanovic justified her top seeding in the Edgbaston WTA event in Birmingham on Tuesday with a convincing straight sets second round win.

The Serbian saw off Mona Barthel 6-1, 6-4 while seventh seed Daniela Hantuchova beat Belinda Bencic 6-1 6-4 in the long-established grasscourt warm-up event for Wimbledon.

But there was disappointment for the home crowd when new British number one Heather Watson spurned three match-points on the way to a 2-6, 7-5 6-4 defeat by Canadia qualifier Aleksandra Wozniak after a first round match lasting two hours and 12 minutes.

Watson, whose rose above British rival Laura Robson to 69th in the world rankings after reaching the second round of the French Open, led 5-3 in the second set and served for the match only for her lower-ranked op-

ponent to force her way back into the match.

However, there was a home victory at Edgbaston on Tuesday with 23-yearold Johanna Konta defeating Japanese 14th seed Kurumi Nara, who is ranked 71 places higher than the Briton in the world rankings, 6-3, 6-1.

Meanwhile 12th-seed Monica Puig was made to work hard for a 6-7 (3/7) 6-2 6-2 win over Stefanie Voegele.

Hungary’s Timea Babos was a 6-3 6-4 winner over Marina Erakovic of New Zealand while Petra Cetkovska beat Alexandra Cadantu by the same score.

Casey Dellacqua, the 16th seed proved too strong for Urszula Radwanska, winning 6-1, 6-3 and American Christina McHale beat Anna Schmiedlova 7-6 (7/5) 6-4.

Lauren Davis also progressed with the 20-year-old beating fellow American Victoria Duval 6-2, 2-6, 6-2.

BA center Andray Blatche attended his first PBA game on Tuesday at SMART-Araneta Coliseum and displayed his easygoing charm in a press conference.

With his impending Filipino citizenship, Blatche jokingly claimed that makes the country’s fight icon Manny Pacquiao his cousin now.

“I have to see my family here. I have to see Manny Pacquiao,” said Blatche in jest.

Turning serious, Blatche expressed his gratitude to the open arms he experienced in his brief visit to the country so far.

“It’s truly a blessing to come out here and be in this position, having a chance to learn the culture. The people here are super generous and nice,” said Blatche,

who praised Filipinos’ unique love for hoops.

“Basketball is huge here and it’s ‘puso.’ The heart of Filipinos is in basketball. I love basketball. So we had the similarity.”

For the Brooklyn Nets center, suiting up for the basketball-crazy nation in its return to the world stage is a no-brainer.

“It wasn’t a tough decision.

When the opportunity was given to me to represent the Philippines, I grabbed it. It’s something you only wish for. I’m pretty thankful to have the opportunity. When they asked me to come, I was excited. I told my mom and my close friends that I wanted to be here,” said Blatche, who plans to play for Gilas in the FIBA Basketball World Cup in August and the Asian Games in September.

‘Kuya Marcus’ still Gilas’NBA star wants integral part of Gilas toN meet‘cousin’Manny N

BA player Andray Blatche may be the talk of the town as an incoming naturalized player for the Gilas Pilipinas national squad, but the team’s incumbent star center Marcus Douthit remains an integral part of the program.

“We cannot forget that the reason why we’re playing in the World Cup is because of Marcus,” Gilas team manager Aboy Castro told InterAksyon. com. Douthit was the leading scorer and rebounder for the Philippines in the FIBA Asia Championship last year, but

suffered an injury in the semifinals against South Korea.

“He will still be a part of the program and will be part of the trip in all the tournaments will be joining.”

According to FIBA rules, a national team can only suit up one naturalized player during a tournament, which means that Blatche will likely take Douthit’s spot. Despite this, Douthit has shown unconditional support for getting the bill to confer citizenship on Blatche passed.

“Where do you find somebody like Marcus? Can you

imagine that, he’s even supporting the bill ng isang tao na papalit sa kanya? But that’s Marcus. He’s been a Kuya to his Gilas teammates and has embraced the Filipino culture and he understands the reason why he needs to support the decision of bringing in Blatche as the new naturalized player,” added Castro.

Douthit will still represent the Philippines in tournaments where the Brooklyn Nets’ Blatche is not available.

“He’ll play in the FIBA Asia Cup and will still be part of the Gilas program,” said

Castro, before adding that Douthit’s presence will be just as valuable in the team’s buildup.

“Perhaps, there’s a better reason why we need to have Marcus there: to push Blatche to bring his A-game during practice.”

Even though Blatche boasts NBA credentials, Douthit is not planning to just roll over for the new guy.

“Marcus said he has no intentions of giving up his spot easily. He still wants to fight for that spot,” said Castro.

Mickelson chases immortality

P PHIL AT PACTICE. Phil Mickelson of the United States hits a shot from a bunker during a practice round prior to the start of the 114th US Open on June 10, 2014 (Wednesday PHL Time) in Pinehurst, North Carolina.

HIL Mickelson has returned to Pinehurst, where his record-setting US Open frustrations began 15 years ago, in hopes of finally taking a long-sought victory to put himself among golf’s immortals.

The six-time US Open runner-up can become only the sixth man to complete a career grand slam with a triumph at the 114th US Open that tees off Thursday.

He would join Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Ben Hogan, Gary Player and Gene Sarazen on the select list.

“I feel like the five players that have done that have separated themselves from the other players throughout all time,” Mickelson said.

“If I’m able to do that, I would look upon my own career differently. That’s why it

would mean so much.”

The reigning British Open champion has been pondering this opportunity since he captured the Claret Jug last July at Muirfield.

“If I can manage my game and play it smart and just focus on the shot at hand, I feel like I’ll give myself a good chance,” Mickelson said.

But he was dreaming of a US Open triumph long before his legacy of near-misses, which began in 1999 at Pinehurst when he was runner-up to the late Payne Stewart.

Moments after the emotional victory, Stewart grabbed Mickelson and told him that he would win future US Opens and that what was most important was his becoming a father, which happened hours later with the birth of daughter Amanda.

SPORTS 15

VOL. 7 ISSUE 63 • THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2014

Career night for Leonard M

IAMI (AP) — The last time Kawhi Leonard scored this many points in a real basketball game, he was starring at Martin Luther King High School in Riverside, California.

Never in college.

Never in the NBA, either.

Until Tuesday night, that is.

And on the same floor where he missed a free throw that could have cost the San Antonio Spurs the title a year ago, he more than atoned in Game 3 of these NBA Finals. Leonard scored 29 points, his highest total since those high school days, to lead a display of offensive wizardry that carried the Spurs to a 111-92 win over the Miami Heat.

The Spurs lead the series 2-1, with Game 4 in Miami on Thursday.

"The series is not over yet," Leonard said. "That's one game.

I have to keep going and, you know, help the team."

That's about as wild as Leonard gets in his quote game.

His on-court game is far more exciting, and the Spurs prefer it that way. He made 10 of 13

W

shots, scored 16 of his points in a historic first quarter that gave San Antonio total control, and added nine more in the fourth to ensure that the Spurs wouldn't let this one slip away.

San Antonio shot 76 percent in the first half to set a finals record, took a 71-50 lead at the break for the highest-scoring opening 24 minutes the title series had seen in 27 years, and scored more points in the first period of a finals game than anyone since 1967.

"It's a simple game," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said.

Danny Green and Tony Parker each scored 15 for the Spurs, and Tim Duncan added 14. The Spurs led by as many as 25 in the second quarter, matching the biggest lead any visitor has had in Miami since LeBron James, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade teamed up four years ago.

James and Wade each scored 22 for the Heat, who lost at home for the first time this postseason. And some numbers suggested the Heat didn't play all that badly offensively — they shot 52 percent and made 10

3-pointers. But they also had 20 turnovers that led to 23 Spurs points, and allowed San Antonio to make a staggering 19 of its first 21 shots.

Yes, 19 of 21. The Spurs were shooting 91 percent at one point in the second quarter.

"All the easy baskets they got, the continuous miscues that we had on defense," Bosh said. "It continued to go. Guys just weren't focused. We were not focused at all. Our rotations were late. We gave up a bunch of touches in the paint and we were surprised that they were being aggressive. We can't do that. It's the finals.

"We did it to ourselves," Bosh added. "With all due respect to them, it's nothing that they did."

Leonard scored nine points in each of the first two finals games, and the Spurs were hoping to get more from their starin-waiting.

By the midpoint of the first quarter of Game 3, he already had 10 points, and the Spurs were rolling. If the most memorable moment of his career was missing the free throw on

the possession before Ray Allen made the tying 3-pointer in Game 6 of last year's title series, it may have been replaced by the totality of his performance in this one.

"I know Pop talked to him," the Spurs' Manu Ginobili said.

And what did Pop say?

"That's family business," the longtime San Antonio coach said.

Whatever it was, it worked.

"He just came out extremely aggressive," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. "And that's what happens in the playoffs often at times. They've been beaten up a little bit in the media for a couple days and he had a great response."

San Antonio inserted Boris Diaw into the starting lineup, countering Miami's small lineup and creating more ball movement that clearly helped Leonard. The game got off to a crisp start, with the Spurs making their first five shots and Miami making its first four.

The Heat cooled off.

The Spurs never really did.

"It's just one of those games that it was going in," Parker said.

cated and expensive courtship, the Knicks finally agreed to terms with Jackson’s longtime Los Angeles Lakers point guard as he wrapped up an 18year playing career. We have no idea what sort of coach Fisher will turn into, outside of the idea that he will probably lean on the triple post offense that served both Fisher and Jackson so well in Los Angeles, but that’s par for the course

with every coach.

We have no idea how a respected lead assistant coach, an X’s and O’s mastermind, is going to pull off his first gig as a head man on the job – he could turn into a Tom Thibodeau, or a John Kuester. We had no idea how Jason Kidd was going to work in his first season with the Nets, directly after his playing career, and we have no idea how Steve Kerr is going to

work in his first season following an executive and broadcasting career in 2014-15.

Hell, we have no clue how Flip Saunders – what with his midrange-heavy offense possibly outmoded – is going to work as coach of a Timberwolves team he helped put together, one he coached from 1995 through 2005.

These are all fluid and unique situations.

Knicks make Fisher a $25-M coach

HY would Phil Jackson and the New York Knicks toss a five-year, $25 million deal at a rookie head coach in Derek Fisher, who is just a week or so removed from flinging jumpers as a member of the Oklahoma City Thunder?

Because they can. And this is something we’re all going to have to get over.

After a long and compli-

CAREER GAME. San Antonio guard Kawhi Leonard had a career high 29 points in the Spurs 111-92 Game 3 win.

NEW GILAS CENTER. NBA star Andray Blatche says he is thankful for the opportunity to play for the Philippines. AKTV photo

Blatche thankful for opportunity

“I

T wasn’t a tough decision,” said Andray Blatche after he was asked what led him to decide he wanted to be a naturalized Filipino citizen. “The opportunity I’ve received to come out here and represent the Philippines is something you can only wish for.”

Blatche attended a press conference during the second half of the PBA game between the Meralco Bolts and the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters. After entering the room, Blatche had everyone’s attention. He’s a high-profile NBA player who agreed to be a Filipino citizen to help out the country’s basketball team. Blatche had all the right to be a snob but he wasn’t. His

easy-going attitude made him very easy to for the Filipino fans watching the game.

“It’s amazing. It’s truly a blessing to come out here and learn the culture. All the people have been super generous and nice to me,” Blatche said.

Asked what he plans to do to help the Philippines, Blatche said that he wants nothing more that to repay the people who put in the effort to get him here.

“I owe it to the people who worked very hard to get me into this position. I need to come out here and work hard and get wins,” he said. “[The Senators and Congressmen] have been more than I could appreciate. I’m very thankful for the effort they put in.”

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 7 ISSUE 63 • THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2014

COACH MANNY. Wearing another cap, boxing champion and legislator Manny Pacquiao is welcome to visit Miami Heat coach Eric Spoelstra.

Spo to Manny: Join me in Miami Spoelstra invites coach Manny to Miami

M

IAMI – Erik Spoelstra would like Manny Pacquiao to come hang out with the Miami Heat, but don’t look for him to add the Filipino boxing champ to the coaching staff anytime soon.

“That won’t happen, but

I’d love to have him come out and spend some time with the team,” Spoelstra said Tuesday.

Pacquiao announced recently he plans to become the player-coach of the newly-created Kia Motors team when the next season of the

Philippine Basketball Association begins.

“Even when I was a kid, even before I learned to box, basketball was my first love,” said Pacquiao.

Spoelstra, who is of Filipino descent, and Pacquiao are two of the most popular

sports figures in the Philippines. They also share the common bond of a love of basketball.

“It doesn’t surprise me,” Spoelstra said of Pacquiao becoming a coach. “He’s a tremendous fan of basketball and the NBA.

“He plays pickup all the time. But I’m sure (boxing trainer) Freddie Roach doesn’t appreciate that.”

Spoelstra will travel to the Philippines during the off season to conduct basketball clinics and he hopes to attend one of Pacquiao’s

games.

“I’ll try to make it out and see if I can catch a game this summer,” said Spoelstra whose Heat were tied 1-1 with the San Antonio Spurs in the best-of-seven NBA championship finals heading into Tuesday’s game three.

BLOWN AWAY

Spurs come out blazing, prove too much for Heat in Game 3 M

IAMI —Kawhi Leonard and San Antonio Spurs shot their way into history -- and back into the lead in the NBA Finals.

Leonard scored a career-high 29 points, and the Spurs made a finals-record 75.8 percent of their shots in the first half in a 111-92 victory over the Miami Heat on Tuesday night that gave them a 2-1 lead.

The Spurs made 19 of their first 21 shots and finished 25 of 33 in the first half, bettering the 75 percent shooting by Orlando against the Lakers in the

2009 finals.

“I don’t think we’ll ever shoot 76 percent in a half ever again,” Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said.

The Spurs led by as much as 25 and were only briefly challenged in their second lopsided victory in the series.

Unlike Game 1, when they didn’t pull away until the final minutes, the Spurs were up big before halftime in this one.

Returning to the arena where they were oh-so-close to winning a fifth championship last year, the Spurs came out playing like they were trying to

build a lead that was impossible to blow.

They shot 13 of 15 and led 41-25 lead after the first quarter, then hit their first six shots of the second in front of a stunned crowd in Miami to go ahead 55-30.

Leonard scored only 18 points in the first two games, looking frustrated while getting into foul trouble trying to defend James in Game 2. But he had his outside shot working early and the effect on the Spurs’ offense was obvious. He made his first six shots and finished 10 of 13 from the field.