Edge Davao 7 Issue 71 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 71• TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014

www.edgedavao.net

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

Serving a seamless society

TOP COP MASTERMIND Report: Police official behind hotelier’s slay?

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

abf@edgedavao.net

HIGH-RANKING police official is reportedly the mastermind of the June 12 killing of hotel magnate Richard L. King.

Rommel dela Cerna, one of the suspects arrested by Davao City police last Sunday at the Team Davao Shooting Range at the Laud Quarry area along Maa Diversion Road, reportedly confessed to the police that a certain Police Senior Superintendent from another region hired them to kill King, according to a flash report by local radio station DXMF Bombo Radyo yesterday. According to the radio report, Dela Cerna said he received a telephone call

from the police official informing them that King is already in his office in Sobrecarey and Lacson Streets in Barrio Obrero last June 12. In his admission, Dela Cerna said he was the lookout during the commission of crime while Paul Dave Labang, a ‘pulot boy’ at the Team Davao Firing Range, was the gunman. Labang allegedly went inside the office and shot the businessman from close range.

FHIGH, 10

Hamiguitan: UNESCO World Heritage Site ‘Overwhelming pride, joy:’Gov. Malanyaon

AVAO ORIENTAL’S Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary (MHRWS) is the latest addition to the prestigious United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage List. This was announced by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee after conducting its deliberation during the 38th Session yesterday, June 23, in Doha, Qatar. Davao Oriental Gov. Corazon N. Malanyaon

said it was an overwhelming moment of pride and joy for Davao Oriental to advance its bid for the inscription. She thanked the World Heritage Committee for placing Mt. Hamiguitan in the much-coveted list. “Our Special thanks also go to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) for their evaluation of the site and their constructive and open engagement with us,” she said. After years of enduring the tedious and painstaking process for the nomination,

FHAMIGUITAN, 10

DENIAL. Paul Dave Molina Labang, suspect in the killing of Cebu-based businessman Richard L. King, denies the accusation when interviewed by members of media at Camp Domingo Leonor in Davao City yesterday before he was brought to the Ninoy Aquino Hall of Justice for inquest proceedings. Lean Daval Jr.

EDGEDAVAO

THE BIG NEWS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 71• TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014

ALL-NEW. The all-new 2014 Isuzu D-MAX 4x4 negotiates the rugged terrain of the 2014 Isuzu D-MAX 4x4 Drive Series at the Dakudao Complex in Lanang over the weekend. Lean Daval Jr.

Has Danao gone media shy?

AVAO City Police Office director Sr. Supt Vicente D. Danao Jr. is an elusive target these days. At least for the media covering the DCPO beat. Yesterday, reporters waited for a long hour in the DCPO lobby hopping that he would come down from his office to tell something on the arrest of suspected Richard King gunman Paul Dave Labang but he evaded giving any statement. Earlier, Danao was reported to have berated three reporters after the names of “persons of interest” on the murder of

King have been published in the media. The DCPO chief has been the center of criticisms from the local media because of the berating incident. The apparent “leak” was actually traced to a document released by his own staff for media consumption. The incident happened when the Investigation and Detection Management Branch (IDMB) of DCPO posted the progress report inside the media folder in the media lounge where the names of persons of interest were revealed.

FHAS, 10

WEATHER FORECAST

Farmers stage protest over escalating prices of basic goods By CHENEEN R. CAPON

crc@edgedavao.net

EMBERS of a farmers group picketed the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 11 yesterday to protest the unreasonable price hike of basic commodities like rice and garlic. Benjie T. Badal, spokesperson of Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (KaDaMay) told Edge Davao in an interview that DTI 11 is allowing the monopoly of supply of prime commodities in the region, prompting distributors to increase the buying price. “They [DTI] have to act now because for a long time, prices have continued rising,” Badal said. However, DTI 11 regional director Ma. Belenda

Q. Ambi and DA 11 regional director Remelyn R. Recoter said in a interview with Edge Davao yesterday that there’s still no evidence that will prove that there is an existence of monopoly in the supply of basic commodities in the market. Ambi said it is DA’s duty to do the price monitoring for agricultural commodities involved in the alleged unreasonable price hike. DTI is the government agency in charge of monitoring prices of process commodities. Ambi did not deny that in a few months, there will be an increase in the price of commodities like milk because of the high price of imported raw materials

that come from countries like New Zealand and Australia. Recoter, on the other hand, said that said that they cannot say that there is a price manipulation because product pricing can also be affected by supply. “We all know that if we have a low supply, then there will be an increase in price and vice versa,” she explained. “In addition, Davao is not a production area for garlic,” Recoter said, adding that in Davao are rice and garlic mostly imported. For rice, Recoter said that there is a shortage in the supply of commercial rice because it is still

planting season. Harvest season will start on October to December. She said that National Food Authority has enough buffer stock of NFA rice that can last for 75 days. For garlic, Recoter said that they are now coordinating with local garlic farmers in Luzon for possible market linkage. DA 11 will facilitate the trade between the local traders and distributors in Davao and garlic farmers from Mindoro, Ilocos, Central Luzon, Nueva Viscaya, and Nueva Ecija. She said that this may lower the price of garlic in the market from P320 per kilo to P200.

Fresas Lopez, 34, single and a resident of Purok 3, Isla Verde, Barangay 23C, Quezon Boulevard, and Siegfred Torco Mesterio, 34, married and a resident of Phase I SIRMatina, Davao City. Based on initial investigation conducted by Sta. Ana Police, a text message from Isumbong kay CD led

to the arrest of the two suspects. The buy-bust operation in cooperation with the Philippine Drugs Enforcement Agency (PDEA) was intended for the arrest of Lopez who is believed to be selling illegal drugs. The two were arrested after Lopez handed to police officer who acted

as a poseur buyer a small sachet containing suspected shabu in exchange of a P500 marked money. Police also recovered another two sachets of shabu from the operation. The suspects are now facing charges for violation of RA 9165 or the Dangerous Drug Acts of 2002. [CRC]

2 nabbed in buy-bust operation A

SUSPECTED drug pusher and a drug user were arrested in a police buy-bust operation by elements of Sta. Ana Police Station at Purok 3, Isla Verde, Barangay 23-C, Quezon Boulevard, Davao City on Sunday afternoon. A team led by police officer Bernard Aquino identified suspects as Venus

NEWS 3

VOL. 7 ISSUE 71• TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014

Colorum bus unit owner fined P1M By VANNAH S. ANG

NE colorum bus unit of Golden Valley Bus Liner, Inc. was caught and impounded by a Land Transportation Office (LTO) officer in Tagum City last Saturday. For the offense, the firm is liable to pay a fine of P1 million. The unit operated with an improvised license plate and the wrong franchise with 5 paying passengers on board. Under the Joint Administrative Order (JAO) 2014-01, effective 19th June 2014, colorum buses should be fined P1 million for violation of the order. According to Edgar Violan, action man of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), the board will implement higher fines and penalties for out-ofline public utility vehicles

(PUVs) under JAO 2014-01 issued by the Land Transportation Office (LTO), LTFRB and approved by the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC). Truck and van operators will also be fined P200,000, P50,000 for jeepney operators, P120,000 for sedan operators, and P6,000 for motorcycle operators. Corresponding fines and penalties for other PUV-related violations is also imposed under the joint order. Since the JAO’s enforcement last June 19, a total of 25 colorum buses were caught nationwide, including the Golden Valley Bus Liner, Inc. unit. Violan also stated that LTFRB and LTO enforce-

Lawyer Alexis Lumbatan sees a violation on the rules of procedure in the arrest of Paul Dave Molina Labang, the alleged gunman in the killing of Cebu-based businessman Richard L. King, last Sunday afternoon in Ma-a, Davao City. Lumbatan said he will represent Labang as counsel. Lean Daval Jr.

Suspect’s lawyer decries 2 former solons, ex-sec violations of procedure face PDAF complaints T

he Office of the Ombudsman (Ombudsman) is going after non-Napoles’ non-government organizations (NGOs) too. This after the Ombudsman investigators have filed a complaint for malversation of public funds and violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019, or the “Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act”, against former Nueva Ecija Rep. Rodolfo Antonino, former Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Arthur Yap, and five others in connection with the alleged irregular allocation and utilization of the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF). Antonino and Yap will undergo preliminary inves-

FCOLORUM, 10

tigation along with former National Agribusiness Corporation (NABCOR) officials Alan Javellana, Encarnita Cristina Munsod, Rhodora Mendoza and Maria Niñez Guanizo as well as Marilou Antonio, president of Buhay Mo Mahal Ko Foundation, Inc. (BMMKFI); and Carmelita Barredo, general manager of CC Barredo Publishing House (CC Barredo). Likewise, the Ombudsman also filed a separate complaint for malversation of public funds and violations of Section 3(e) and (h) of RA No. 3019 against former Isabela Rep. Anthony Miranda, and nine others also in connection with the alleged irregular allocation and utili-

F2 FORMER, 10

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

HE lawyer of the alleged gunman in the killing of hotelier Richard King decried procedural violations committed by police in the arrest of Paul Dave Labang. Lawyer Alexis Lumbatan, counsel for the accused Labang, said he saw a violation on the rules of procedure in the arrest of the suspect last Sunday afternoon at the Team Davao Shooting Range along Maa Diversion Road. Labang was pointed by a co-accused as the hitman in the June 12 killing of the Cebu-based hotel magnate.

Lumbatan told reporters yesterday that the police have no affidavits with regards murder allegations against the suspect. Labang was booked on Sunday solely for illegal possession of firearms. He was arrested while in possession of a .45 caliber pistol. “If they think that this person really shot Mr. (Richard) King then you can file all the evidences, affidavits object evidence sa fiscals’ office (City Prosecution Office) by way of regular filing,” Lumbatan stressed. Lumbatan believes that the procedures in the

arrest of Labang were not followed and he sees that there is a violation of the constitutional rights of the suspect. He said that the police should secure a warrant of arrest before they arrested Labang. “Certainly, you cannot detain him… after 10 days, it cannot be considered as hot pursuit. Kung mo ingon sa na naay eye witness where is the affidavit of the witness? Is the eye witness the same person who also described the gunman sa composite sketch,” Lumbatan explained. The lawyer also

FSUSPECT’S, 10

DXGM Super Radyo conquers airwave

B A “trisikad” driver waits for passengers ignoring the “No Parking” sign right beside him at Agdao Public Market in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

stressed that the “hot pursuit doctrine” will not automatically apply in the said case as the police need to prove ‘certain circumstances that could still point on the doctrine of hot pursuit.’ Lumbatan said that he will file a petition for writ of habeas corpus and he will also urge the police to produce all the documents of charges. He narrated to reporters that Labang’s wife and parents called him yesterday morning seeking for help. “kaila ko ning tawhana

ASED on a study for the 1st quarter of 2014 conducted by the Neilsen Media Research Radio Audience Measurement, the broadcast industry’s most trusted ratings service provider, DXGM Super Radyo Davao ranks 1st place as the best local AM station registering 45.80 percent audience share and 0.30 percent rating points for the period of March 1 – 7. Super Radyo DXGM Davao (1125 kHz Davao City) of GMA Network, Inc. first aired on June 16, 1997 with “Kini ang Balita! (This is the news, Ito ang balita) as their slogan. The station was officially re-launched

in 2012, reinforcing its fearless commitment to deliver the news when it happens, as it happens. The station’s main format comprises of news with various programs focused on public affairs, public service, music, and drama. “We wanted to relaunch Super Radyo Davao with public affairs as our weapon. We really want to reach out to the public in a way that they could feel our presence and sincerity.” Arnie Delfin, station manager of DXGM Super Radyo Davao, said. The station claimed high ratings for the primetime morning slot of 6:00-6:30 am with their news and

FDXGM, 10

4 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 71• TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014

GENERAL SANTOS CITY

LTO-12 crack down on ‘colorum’ buses

HE Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Region 12 deployed additional enforcement personnel on Monday in various highways in the region as it stepped up its crackdown against illegal or “colorum” buses operating in the area. Putiwas Malambut, LTO Region 12 director, said such move is part of the full implementation in the region of the revised schedule of fines and penalties for land transportation violations as embodied in Joint Administrative Order (JAO) 2014-01 of the Department of Transportation and Communications, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and the LTO. “Our focus right now is to clear our highways of colorum buses, especially those operating without proper franchises,” he said in a press conference. Also known as Soccksargen, Region 12 comprises the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, North Cotabato and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal,

Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato. Malambut said their operations will soon include trucks, vans, jeeps, tricycles and even motorcycles. But he expressed optimism that the area’s operators have properly acquired the required permits and licenses for their units based on their monitoring and assessment. These operators are the Yellow Bus Line Inc., Holiday Bus, Husky Transport, Rural Transit and the Weena Express, he said. The official said they expect the area’s bus operators to fully and properly comply with their regulations. “I don’t see any reason for these legitimate operators to complain or be wary about the new policy unless they are hiding something,” Malambut said. Citing the provisions of JAO 2014-01, he said stricter and higher penalties will be imposed to “colorum” units and those who would violate various laws, rules and regulations governing land transportation

For “colorum” buses, he said it includes a fine of P1 million and revocation of the entire Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) and the blacklisting of the apprehended vehicle and the revocation of all other authorized units included in the franchise. After the fines are paid, Malambut explained that the apprehended bus unit will

still be impounded for a minimum of three months. With the implementation of JAO 2014-01, Malambut said he has revoked all deputation orders that they issued throughout the region. “I have ordered the return of all citation tickets and the corresponding identification cards of our enforcers,” he added. [PNA]

GENERAL SANTOS CITY

Sarangani strengthens drive vs TB I

N a bid to enhance its efforts to control spread of tuberculosis (TB), the provincial government of Sarangani has reconstituted the area’s TB Program Board. Sarangani Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon said Monday such move is part of the local government’s intensified efforts to eradicate the cases of TB in the province’s seven municipalities within the next few years. The reconstitution of the Provincial TB Program Board, which was provided for in Executive Order 27, series of 2014 issued by the governor, is also in support to the Department of Health’s (DOH) National TB Program. The board, which is mainly tasked to formu-

late strategies and oversee the program’s implementation, is chaired by the governor. Solon said the province’s reorganized TB board comprises representatives from local stakeholders, specifically government agencies, civil society groups and the private sector. He said they linked up with more local stakeholders to ensure proper cooperation in the efforts to eradicate TB in the area. “Fighting TB is not the sole task of the (provincial) health office. We need to engagement with all local stakeholders to attain our goal of having TB-free communities,” the governor said. In 2013, the province posted a case detection

rate of 59 percent and a cure rate of 70 percent for TB, a report released by the Sarangani Health Office showed. It said such figures are considered low based on the 85 percent case detection rate and 90 percent cure rate targets set by DOH-Region 12. Dr. Arvin Alejandro, Sarangani provincial health officer, said it only shows that patient tracking in terms of TB in the province is very poor at the barangay level. “We should focus more on tracking down more symptomatic patients at the barangay level and at the same time ensure that they are properly treated,” he said. Solon is hoping that the reorganization of

the province’s TB board will provide the needed push for the program, especially at the barangay level. “We need to capacitate the people in our barangays to monitor not only TB but other diseases also,” he said. He cited barangay health workers (BHW) are at the frontlines of the campaign and the key factors in terms of ensuring its sustenance. To encourage the province’s 1,000 BHWs to perform better, Solon said they have set aside around P6-million for their additional honorarium this year. Starting July, he said each BHW in the province will be receiving an additional honorarium of P500 a month.[PNA]

GENERAL SANTOS CITY

7 Villages receive postharvest facilities T HE provincial government of Sarangani has turned over around P2.1 million worth of postharvest facilities over the weekend to seven farming barangays in the area. Jonathan Duhaylungsod, acting head of the Sarangani Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, said Monday the seven new multi-purpose drying pavement were part of the local government’s investments this year to help improve further the quality of local corn and palay harvests. He said the construction of the postharvest facilities, which cost around P300,000 each, was funded by the province 2014 Annual Investment Program. The beneficiaries were barangays Laguimit in Glan town; Domolok in Alabel; Kihan in Malapatan; Amsipit in Maasim; Malungon Gamay in Malungon; Zion in Maitum; and, Katubao in Kiamba, he said. Duhaylungsod said these barangays earlier received rice and corn shellers and mini corn mills from the provincial government. “These (facilities) will greatly improve the quality of our harvests and

ensure better market opportunities for our farmers,” he said. Citing an assessment conducted by the Philippine Center for Post-harvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech), the official said the lack of postharvest facilities remains a major problem for farmers in the province. Owing to this, he said the provincial government has set the construction of more postharvest facilities, specifically drying pavements, as among its top investment priorities for this year. Such move was endorsed by Sarangani Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon, Vice Gov. Jinkee Pacquiao, Rep. Emmanuel Pacquiao and members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. Francisco Garcia, chair of Barangay Zion in Maitum, said the construction of the drying pavement in their village is a major development considering that farming is the community’s main livelihood. [PNA]

5 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 71• TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014

AEC opportunities must be seized T

HE ASEAN Economic Integration (AEC) offers immense business opportunities that both the government and the private sector must exploit to fully benefit from its advantages. This was underscored in a regional forum on the ASEAN Economic Community organized by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Regional Office 9 with the participation of state think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) regional office in Zamboanga City. PIDS Senior Research Fellow Erlinda Medalla stressed the need to do more to take advantage of the opportunities from AEC. The AEC does not only reduce tariffs but also promote trade facilitation. It commits the country to implement reforms on customs modernizations and establishment of a national single window and an ASEAN Single Window, she said. “National single window is a single submission and accelerated processing of applications of licenses, permits, and other authorizations required prior to undertaking a trade transaction, while the ASEAN Single Window is a regional initiative that integrates the national single

windows of ASEAN countries,” Medalla said. Medalla has been pushing for the implementation of a national single window to speed up data processing and cargo clearance procedures. “This would have positive impact on the cost of doing business, not just for large industries, but more importantly for micro, small, and medium enterprises.” She added that the country needs to step up in educating and informing the public about the benefits of the coming integration. “There is a need for greater information and education campaign to help small and medium enterprises get linked to the supply chain and receive support from all sectors. An agro-industry roadmap would also be a great help,” she said. DTI Assistant Secretary for Industry Development and Trade Policy Perry Rodolfo said that in 2010, duties for 98.63 percent of Philippine products are already at zero percent. “As of 2010, all duties have been eliminated for agricultural and industrial products except for live swine, live chicken, meat of swine, meat of chicken, cassava, sweet potatoes, maize, rice, and sugar,” he said. SenenPerlada, Director of Export Marketing Bureau of DTI, said vast trading op-

Matina Enclaves project director Gerald Garces (left) and junior designer Arch. James Magdadaro hold the perspective images of the Clubhouse At Matina Enclaves (CAMA) during the project’s groundbreaking ceremony last Saturday. Lean Daval Jr. portunities will come with the integration.“We should not limit our markets only to 100 million Filipinos considering that ASEAN has a combined GDP of USD 2.4 trillion as of 2013. About 67 million households in the ASEAN are now part of the consuming class,” he said. Perlada cited as an example a firm in General Santos City that shifted from export-

ing tuna to frozen smoked salmon. The firm imports zero-tariff salmon from New Zealand and then processes itforexport to free trade agreement (FTA) partners. Another example is Universal Robina’s C2 Green Tea. C2 is now one of the largest in the Vietnamese bottled green tea market, Perlada said. “We should also take ad-

vantage of the Halal market,” he added. There is an advantage in food, logistics, and banking, he said. “The Philippineshas to engage in free trade agreements to maintain its competitiveness and promote cross-border complementation.”Perlada emphasized that it is necessary to maximize the benefits made available by FTAs to our ex-

porters. Improving the quality of infrastructure in the Philippines was also a key topic in the forum. According to PIDS Senior Research FellowAdoracion Navarro, the Philippines is the third lowest in overall quality of infrastructure in the ASEAN regionbased on the Global Competitiveness Report 2013-2014.

6 THE ECONOMY

VOL. 7 ISSUE 71• TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014

SouthCot closes down 45 ore processing plants

HE provincial government of South Cotabato has temporarily closed down 45 small-scale mineral ore processing plants in the municipality of T’boli due to lack of proper permits and licenses. Siegfred Flaviano, Provincial Environment and Management Office (PEMO) chief, said Monday they issued the closure order against the mineral ore processors after failing to present any permit or license during a recent inspection, monitoring and verification drive conducted by their enforcement personnel. He said the PEMO launched the inspection following reports that a number of processing plants, specifically those involved in the extraction of gold from mined ores in the area, have long been operating without per-

mits. “We’ve given them enough time to process their permits and licenses but they still failed so we ordered their closure,” he said. Flaviano said the erring ore processors are based in sitios Oro 1 and Lugan in Barangay Poblacion and sitios Pag-asa and Chavez in Barangay Edwards in T’boli town. These comprise 44 ball mills and one carbon inpulp plant, which process ores mined by small-scale miners in the gold-rush villages of Kematu and Desawo, he said. Flaviano said the ore processing plants will not be allowed to resume their operations unless they secure the proper permits from the municipal and provincial governments. Before they can be issued a permit, he said, the ore processors need to

All set for P43.9B expanded poverty alleviation program

HE national government is now set to roll out the scaled up version of its poverty alleviation program with fund allocation of P43.9 billion to be implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). On Monday, the National Community-Driven Development Program (NCDDP) will be officially launched in Ormoc City to be attended by some 300 participants composed of local government units (LGUs), development partners and concerned government agencies. The NCDDP is an expanded version of the Kapitbisig Laban sa Ka-

It figures

hirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) that was piloted in 2002. It will be implemented in 847 rural municipalities nationwide; 554 will come from the regions badly devastated by Yolanda, including Eastern Visayas. These LGUs will be assisted to carry-out recovery and rehabilitation by the development partners. The national government will be shelling out P9.3 billion for the project while financial support will be extended by the World Bank (USD 479 million) and the Asian Development Bank (USD 372.1 million). [PNA]

Frank “Kim” Liu III of Isuzu Davao bares during FAST Fridays media forum at Barrio Fiesta of SM Lanang Premier last Friday that Isuzu D-MAX is still the leading truck brand in the country’s automobile industry in terms of market share. Also in photo is Isuzu Philippines Corporation external vice president Takashi Tomita Lean Daval Jr.

first secure and present a legal source permit, supply contract agreement, flow sheet plant operation

and environment compliance certificate for a processing plant operation. He said they are also

required to get a barangay resolution, zoning certification, business permit and a certification

from the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office of T’boli. [MindaNews]

agency started their monitoring it is now down to P49 and they issued a suggested retail price (SRP) of P50 per kilo. The hog raisers reported that there were cases of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PED) in the country that affected the piglets, adding that these cases of PED were now under control with vaccinations being administered, and prices are expected to improve. “Nag-request po ang mga hog raisers na huwag namang masyadong pababaan ang mga presyo para naman ma-recover din nila ‘yung kanilang mga losses. So sinusubaybayan po ito,” Coloma said. Poultry raisers report-

ed that the high temperature last summer affected the growth of chickens that resulted to prices ranging to P130 to P140 per kilo. “Ibig sabihin mababa ang kanilang timbang kaya ito po ang isa sa mga sanhi ng temporary shortage. Pero nag-i-improve na rin po ang supply situation at sa kasalukuyan ang umiiral ay 90 percent locally supplied chickens ang ating ginagamit,” Coloma explained. For their part, the Department of Agriculture (DA) reported that garlic prices increased since we primarily imported garlic from abroad. Coloma said to counter the garlic price hike, the said agency deployed rolling stores

around Metro Manila to sell local garlic at P100 to P200 per kilo depending on its size. Coloma assured the public that the government is monitoring everything, including other factors that affect the prices. “Isa po sa mga factor din na tinitingnan ay ‘yung epekto ng truck ban. Pero tinitingnan po kung paano kaagad ito mareremedyohan dahil hindi naman dapat ito maging sanhi ng pagtaas ng presyo. Kaya sa kabuuan ay masinsing tinututukan ng pamahalaan ang galaw ng supply at presyo sa lahat ng mga pangunahing food items,” the Communications Secretary noted. [PNA]

NPCC: Food prices to stabilize

ALACANANG said on Sunday that food prices are expected to stabilize as factors that affect its increase have started to normalize. In a press conference over radio station dzRD Radyo ng Bayan, Presidential Communication Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., said the meeting of the National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC) last week disclosed reasons for the increase of prices of sugar, pork, poultry, garlic, and other food staples. Coloma said the Sugar Regulatory Administration during the meeting reported that prices of sugar reached as high as P52 per kilo, but after the

P7.2 B

P10 B

39,000

PIONEERING integrated resort firm Travellers International Hotel Group Inc. (TIHGI) reported on Friday a gross gaming revenue of P7.2 billion in the first quarter of 2014 on the back of volume growth from both VIP and mass segments. –BUSINEESMIRROR, June 14, 2014

PROPERTY develop Megaworld Corp. may end this year with a net profit breaching the P10-billion mark, Net profit in 2013 amounted to P9.04 billion, which included P763 million in non-recurring income from the acquisition of a subsidiary with a landbank whose values have increased cominf out even prior to development. –PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER, June 23,2014

LEADERS of 39,000 inmates of the National Bilibid Prisons (NBP) asked the Supreme Court (SC) to declare unconstitutional rules on classification system for good conduct and time allowances. The inmates criticized Justice Secretary Leila De Lima and Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas for coming with implementing rules and regulations of RA 10592 mandating the prospective, instead of a retroactive, application of the amended provisions of the law. –PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER, June 23, 2014.

7 ENVIRONMENT

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 71• TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014

Coconuts can fight climate change By GERRY T. ESTRERA

Y planting more coconuts, the Philippines can help stave off the effects of climate change. “Our coconut areas could be developed for income generating carbon sequestration projects and carbon credit market,” pointed out Dr. Severino S. Magat, extension department manager of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA). Carbon sequestration describes long-term storage of carbon dioxide or other forms of carbon to either mitigate or defer global warming and avoid dangerous climate change. Carbon dioxide, in the form of gas, can be sequestered out of the atmosphere through photosynthesis. The carbon dioxide is converted into sugar by the plant or emitted back to the air through perspiration. Carbon stored in plant parts other than the stem wood or trunk are generally decomposable biomass which eventually becomes a part of the soil organic matter (SOM) of which the more stable component is the 50 percent soil organic carbon (SOC). In his paper presentation entitled, “Productive and Sustainable Coconut Farming Ecosystems as Potential Carbon Sinks in

Climate Change Minimization: A Review and Advisory Notes,” Dr. Magat explained the important role of the coconut lands against the negative impacts of climate change. In coconut, as in most tree crops, carbon is stored or sequestered both by the biomass and the soil of the ecosystem, indicating that the biomass and the soil are the main carbon sinks of atmospheric carbon dioxide. These “carbon sinks” could be regulated and managed to a great extent by following proper cropping practices, according to Dr. Magat. A two-year study conducted by PCA showed the annual rate of carbon sequestration in local tall variety coconut crop is 4.78 tons carbon per hectare. That is equivalent to 17.54 tons of carbon dioxide per hectare, Dr. Magat claimed. But it would be easier if the benefit of the coconut in climate change adaptation is laid out in cash terms through carbon trading. Assuming that an average of 5.1 tons carbon per hectare of stable biomass and 15 tons carbon per hectare from the sequestered SOC can be attained, the estimated cash benefits would amount to at least P14,170.50 per hectare

per year or P 14.17 million per 1,000 hectares coconut land used in the climate-change mitigation. The cash value could easily double if coconut lands are intercropped with fruit trees and other perennial crops, which are highly capable of carbon sequestration in their plant biomass and the soil. Under the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, which is an amendment to the United Nations Frame-

work Convention on Climate-Change, industrialized countries have committed to reduce their emissions of carbon dioxide and other green house gases or engage on emissions trading if they maintain or increase emissions of their gases. In the Clean Development Mechanism of this protocol, industrialized countries can meet part of their target in reducing carbon dioxide emission to the 1990 levels over a five-year period (2008-

2012) by purchasing emission reduction credits from developing countries like the Philippines in the form of planted forest, which is achievable in the country due to its vast tracts of open land for the establishments of plantations, Magat said. The coconut tree meets the criteria of the UN Food and Agriculture as “forest.” The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has already included coconut as a re-

forestation crop through Administrative Order No. 2005-25 effective Nov. 17, 2005. “We believe our farmers and entrepreneurs can create a niche in natural products whose primary value is their health quality. Coconut sap sugar is one of those products that has already taken off in the market and which still offers so much valuable growth potential,” said Dr. Nicomedes P. Eleazar, BAR director, said in a statement.

ing sets and related items that are cashing in on the latest craze. On June 21, the EcoWaste Coalition bought a fake Rainbow Loom bracelet making kit (P240/set) and seven other packs of loom bands (P15-35/pack) with no market authorization from the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) that are being sold in Divisoria and Quiapo streets, and had them screened for toxic metals using a handheld X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) device. The screening showed no detectable levels of arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury and other toxic metals on the sample loom bands. “While we did not find lead and other toxic metals on the loom bands, there is no assurance that these products are totally safe for consumers and the environment as these

products have no FDA market authorization,” Dizon noted. PAWS and EcoWaste Coalition advised loom band fans to follow the following precautionary measures to protect pets from ingesting the indigestible rubber bands: 1. Talk to kids about the importance of keeping the rubber bands away from pets (and also from infants and toddlers). 2. Do not leave the rubber bands or the finished products lying on the chair, table, bed or the floor where pets can get them. 3. Secure the rubber bands in containers with cover or lid. 4. Do not allow pets to play with rubber bands or with loom band bracelets. 5. Refrain from adorning pet’s collar or strap with loom bands. [PNA]

Indigestible Loom bands can make pets ill

N animal welfare group and an environmental group have reminded kids and adults who are into Rainbow Loom bracelet weaving - the hottest toy fad today - to exercise caution so as not to harm pets. The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) and the EcoWaste Coalition jointly informed the public about the potential harm posed by cute, but hard to digest rubber bands used to make bracelets that can make cats and dogs ill. The groups aired the warning after veterinarians in the United States reported incidents of intestinal obstruction among pet patients due to the ingestion of rubber bands, which can cause stomach upset and seriously shatter the intestinal tract. Symptoms of intestinal blockage include loss of appetite,

nausea and diarrhea. The incidents also prompted the manufacturers of the original Rainbow Loom, winner of the 2014 Toy of the Year Award by the Toy Industry Association, to advise pet owners to keep the indigestible rubber bands away from pets, warning that “one customer had rubber bands surgically removed from her pet’s stomach.” “As the rubber band bracelet craze hits the country, we urge fans to remember that these loom bands could spell danger for pets and should be handled with care to prevent pet injuries,” said Anna Cabrera, executive director, PAWS. For his part, Thony Dizon, coordinator of the EcoWaste Coalition’s Project Protect, urged fans to be cautious when buying counterfeit bracelet mak-

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

VOL. 7 ISSUE 71• TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014

EDITORIAL Mount Hamiguitan’s triumph

ABAWENYOS in the Philippines and elsewhere in the world have a reason to be happy. And very proud. The much-vaunted Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary in Davao Oriental has been included in the World Heritage List of the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization). The inscription was done yesterday, June 23, in Doha, Qatar, an occasion described by Davao Oriental Gov. Corazon N. Malanyaon, who provided the province the needed leadership in the long and tedious process involved in the nomination, as “an overwhelming moment of pride and joy for Davao Oriental.” Indeed, the inscription will hopefully change drastically for the better the face of Davao Oriental, now the biggest and the most promising of the five provinces in the Davao Region, which used to be only one province until the mid 60’s. To fully appreciate this historic and very significant event in the Region, let us share in this euphoric statement from Governor Malanyaon. “Our deepest gratitude to the World Heritage Committee

EDGEDAVAO

Providing solutions to a seamless global village. Printed by Zion Accuprint Publishing Inc. Door 14 ALCREJ Building, Quirino Avenue, 8000, Davao City, Philippines Tel: (082) 301-6235 Telefax: (082) 221-3601 www.edgedavao.net editorial@edgedavao.net marketing@edgedavao.net

for the inscription of the Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary in the World Heritage list. Our special thanks also goes to the IUCN for their evaluation of the site and their constructive and open engagement with us. “The conservation of this property is the Filipino people’s gift to the rest of the humanity. “We take seriously our responsibility to protect the site’s high endemic species of flora and fauna, some of which are critically endangered like the Philippine Eagle and the carnivorous pitcher plants. Mount Hamiguitan is likewise home to an expansive centuries-old tropical pygmy forest. “The inscription is a celebration of the global partnership in our shared vision and desire to conserve these natural gifts for future generation. It is also a step forward towards the continuation of monitoring and preserving the fragile ecosystems in the mountain amidst changing climate and typhoon patterns. “As Governor of the Province of Davao Oriental, Philippines, I affirm our resolve as local stakeholders to protect and conserve the site’s inscribed outstanding universal value and integrity.” ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

RAMON M. MAXEY Consultant

GREGORIO G. DELIGERO Associate Editor

PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

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

the national association of newspapers

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

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

JOCELYN S. PANES Director of Sales

AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Circulation

Unit 6, Southbank Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts. Unit 6, Southbank Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts. Marketing Specialist Cagayan de Oro City c/o PZ Villarin Marketing Cagayan de Oro City Tel: (088) 852-4894

Tel: (088) 852-4894

Salvani St., Oringo Brgy. City Heights Tel: (083) 303-2215

MANILA MARKETING OFFICE

ANGELICA R. GARCIA | Marketing Manager Blk. 1, Lot 10, La Mar Townhomes, Apitong St., Marikina Heights, Marikina City Tel: (02) 942-1503

EDGEDAVAO

1908 Report of the Philippine Commission to the Secretary of War showed that by 1907 the country was already exporting pearl shells; that year it earned P111, 124.00 from the transaction. Part of the revenue came from a pearl bank of cultured shells and oysters in the eastern sector of Davao, along with a retinue of three Filipino lieutenants – an artist to draw the samples, a practical fisherman, and an expert Moro diver – who aided him in collecting marine samples in Davao Gulf. So encouraging was the exploration that in a single day Seale’s group collected 212 different species of shells from the gulf alone. He also worked on his fish investigations aboard the steamship USS Albatross, but decided to against pursuing them after finding that vessel was lacking in equipment, and the conditions at the time were not appropriate for his experiments. In his May 20, 1908 report, Seale noted that four pearl boats manned by the local technicians he trained were at work on the bed. The pearl bank, found in a channel, was “located in Paguipuian Strait, the most prolific part of the bed being the narrow portion of the strait between Point Lana and Linao. The bed seems to owe its existence to the protection of the big reef called Arboles Island, in the upper of the strait… The bed is in from 16 to 30 fathoms of water. The bottom is smooth, of coral sand and broken shell; the banks drop abruptly down from the fringing coral reef into 15 to 16 fathoms, except in one or two places, where the shore is of sand, sloping at a sharp angle into deep water.” Between January and May 1, 1908, about 6o tons of shell valued at

HERE are cities that sleep early, and there are those that don’t. City lights can be deceiving. The large DVD outdoor billboards are changing ads but citizens have gone home early out of the usual fear of strolling at night. Davao City and the rest of peaceful cities in Mindanao certainly won’t sleep, figuratively, in this era without the reports of DDS and Sparrows. But ours is already the era of riding-in-tandem hitmen who do their thing most often with impunity even in broad daylight. OH my gosh! More than decade ago, I’ve slept many times in Ozamiz City, home of the Kuratong Baleleng. I’d gone past that urban poor development work there, and also in the cities of Iligan and Cagayan de Oro. Comparatively then, CDO was much peaceful, in the way it gyrated with its fine disco and drinking bars. This was long before that resto inside Limketkai Center was bombed. In Ozamiz City, travelling medreps usually took a country hotel and contented themselves with few beers while watching cable TV right in twilight time. At the time, only the armed and brave dared to savor OC’s watering holes. Its night tempo was the same with Cotabato City. Night out at your own risk! Iligan City in the 90s, when National Steel Corp. was still operating, was also

VOL. 7 ISSUE 71• TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014

VANTAGE POINTS

Rise and fall of showbiz in PH politics

Pearls of Davao

FAST BACKWARD BY THE ARCHIVIST P43, 000 were sold abroad, mostly yields that were “small, probably not worth more than P10, 000, very irregular in shape but of good luster.” Other pearl banks were also found along the south coast of Mindanao. Although crude by today’s standards, this account confirms that pearl culture, at the turn of the 20th century, was already a lucrative endeavor in Davao region. From January 1 to June 30, 1908, nine pearling licenses were issued in Davao. The roster of permitees included two Filipinos, an Arab, a Japanese, a Greek, a Spaniard, and two Assyrians (Syrian-Lebanese). It would take more than half a century for another pearl venture to open in Davao Gulf. In 1958, the Aguinaldo Development Corp. (ADECOR) owned by Daniel Aguinaldo, a wealthy Manila ecologists and trader, opened in Samal Island a pearl farm. The new investment was secured by watchtowers that protected 12, 000 white-lipped oysters for export, which were airlifted from the Sulu Sea.

The oysters, with shells as large as the dinner plate, could manufacture white, pink, or gold-lip pearls (Margaritifera maxima Jamson), and the farm, co-managed by Japanese scientists, raised also black-lipped oysters (Margaritifera margaritifera). Aguinaldo, a relative of first Filipino president Emilio Aguinaldo, was appointed member of the Price Stabilization Corporation (PRISCO) by President Elpidio Quirino on October 5, 1950. On June 1, 1951, he resigned as managing director of the same government agency. From 1951 to 1952, he was a member of the Labor Management Advisory Board (LMAB), and in 1955, in recognition for his contribution to the political campaign of President Ramon Magsaysay, was named member of the National Economic Council (NEC). Aside from his pearl farm, he also established a lumber camp in Davao and in the Kingking mines in Pantukan. But the declaration of the martial rule in 1972 affected the industry’s growing fortunes. There was an unusual interest shown by some powerful people in the project that led to its collapse. When the Japanese scientists left the laboratories, Filipino technicians took over. But the locals’ lack of expertise in pearl culture and the deficiency in capital hastened the closure of the farm. [The above article, written by The Archivist, is part of Edge Davao’s effort to enhance readers’ knowledge and familiarity of Davao Region’s history, culture and the arts. The paper welcomes readers’ contribution of authentic information, photos and articles. –The editors]

Early-sleeping cities HASHTAGS BREW BY CHA MONFORTE

peaceful and had wildest at nights especially during paydays when NSC’s workers splurged money and luxuriated in downtown’s bars. It was in the late 90s when a bomb exploded at the Ozamiz-bound ferry. Most of the victims were Ozamiznons, and local bosses were enraged. The night on the day of the bombing had busied local TV and radio stations on news on names of fatalities and the officials’ rush for help. It was the night that the city did not sleep, thinking what extremes of violence might come next given the city’s underworld association. In the next days, armed reprisals were heard in the groove of radyo de baktas. One bombing suspect, a Maranao, was accordingly dragged from a slum and shot in a street outside in full view of the public by a warlord’s notorious sidekick. The city further reeled from having no lively nights patronized by citizens. Cities vary as to when their citizens sleep. There seems to be irony in cities putting off their lights early, indicating a general unpeace. Now, if the reign of peace in each of Mindanao’s cities could

be gauged, it is best adjudged not by the crime index but by how far its citizens feel freely to go out at night to enjoy the city’s bars without being afraid that something bad might happen to them. It’s best indicated by the presence of bars without the stationed cops because luxuriating folks just have their night out to enjoy, without the proliferated loose guns, and 911 cops only come in to brawls between drunks uncontained by the bouncers or security guards. Crime index can also be deceiving. A city can have low crime index and thus officially considered as “peaceful” but actually its night is feared of. A city can have high crime index but its night outside is dread. Cities in the country controlled in tight grip by warlords often have low crime index. Crime index is vulnerable to unreporting of crime by the public. The higher it gets the more it exposes a sad note to police arrest index. It’s the happiness index of citizens especially during night that counts most in gauging peace and even the city’s livability. A decade ago, Cebu had the freest of its nights than Davao City. But I haven’t gone yet spending a Saturday night at Danao City. What is to be there from dusk to dawn in the reputed paltik capital of the country?

ELEBRITIES IN POLITICS – Philippine politics is teeming with entertainment celebrities – movie and TV stars, sports heroes, media figures and other members of the amusement industry. Some of them are occupying Senate seats while others are members of the House of Representatives or governors, vice governors, board members, mayors, vice mayors and councilors in different cities and towns. One had in fact managed to be elected President, while another became a vice president. Entertainment personalities compete with established politicians for elective positions of power, from the municipal council all the way to the halls of Malacanang Palace. Could it be that celebrities have become as smart and knowledgeable like those who have been in mainstream politics for quite some time? Or have they learned to play the twist and turn game in politics that they cast their lot in what has been the domain of the traditional ruling elite? The political link between entertainment and politics is not new in the Philippines. It started with the election of actor Rogelio dela Rosa to the Senate. One political team in particular, in fact, makes it a point of encouraging a more sympathetic view of showbiz politicians. “Why should we close our doors to them?” they ask. What probably inspires celebrity people to join the political fray is the high batting average of showbiz personalities to win elections and the belief that the success of one will be the success of others citing former president and now Manila mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada’s case. Erap was seeking a repeat of sort when he sponsored Fernando Poe Jr.’s run for President following his conviction of plunder. (The vice president of President Gloria Arroyo, “Kabayan” Noli de Castro, is a media personality, who defeated fellow broadcaster Loren Legarda in a rivalry that became a bitter electoral protest between colleagues in the same network.) Critics say that elective positions should not be treated like roles which can be manipulated and twisted like it was a movie fiction. They say that a candidate should be elected on the basis of qualifications, not on popularity due to accomplishment in the entertainment industry. Sympathizers however contradict this view, arguing that voters should give entertainment people, experienced or not, a chance to be elected just any other Filipino public office-seekers. Yes, indeed, celebrities are also capable of excelling in public office as long as they have common sense, intelligence, functional literacy and managing skills for local governance. Based on previous elections, only about one-third of movie people and other members of the entertainment business who seek public office make it because intelligent voters still look for “on-thejob” performance. Still, celebrity candidates have an edge, a build-in advantage over other politicians. Most political campaigns as can be gleaned from past elections benefit from the spurt of showbiz glamour. However, there is hope for change. Local politicians have noticed that the number of people attending political rallies have dwindled lately. This is true due to a lot of reasons. Majority of those attending rallies are usually paid and fed for applauding the speakers. Rather than listen to the usual lies and mudslinging of politicians, whom they know to be compadres or good friends in real life, many people, who have gotten tired of the same zarzuela that they see every election, would rather stay home so they won’t miss the night’s episode of their favorite telenovela. In other areas, where the political rivalries are real and violent, the voters do the same, hide in their homes, rather than be caught in the crossfire of politicians and their bodyguards shooting or bombing each other. In due time, rallies will become outmoded and eventually shunned by safety-conscious voters. Celebrities will have no use in campaigns. Well, they can probably be invited if future rallies will be done indoor and televised as well. But it will mean tremendous expense on the part of the political groups and their backers.

10 NEWS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 71• TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014

High... FFROM 1

Has... FFROM 2

However, the Special Investigating Task Group (SITG) King refused to divulge the identity of the police officer behind the murder of the businessman. Police Regional Office (PRO)- 11 spokesperson Chief Inspector Jed Clamor told Edge Davao in a separate interview yesterday, that they have no official statement with regards to the confession of Dela Cerna who was arrested along with his brother Rodel and Labang at the firing range at around 1:22 p.m. last Sunday. “Gina process pa nato ning nakuha nato na mga suspects,” Clamor said. Clamor the said that the SITG are still validating the statements of the suspects

including the confession made by Dela Cerna pointing to the police official as the mastermind behind the killing. “Gina kompleto pa nato ang pagkuha natog statements sa ilaha,” he said. Clamor said that PRO 11 director Chief Superintendent Wendy Rosario ordered them to process the statements of the suspects. “Mao man ni atong latest progress karon na nadakop nat ning mga suspects,” Clamor said. Labang has denied the accusation and has sought assistance from his lawyer Alexis Lumbatan who yesterday decried the arrest as being violative of the Constitutional rights of the accused (see related story).

Davao Oriental now tastes the ‘sweet’ fruits of its perseverance. Ma. Theresa Lazaro, Philippine Ambassador to the French Republic, mentioned during her speech Gov. Malanyaon’s headship that led to the success of the inscription. “The Governor has spearheaded the long process, and more importantly, the consolidation of wide stakeholder support not only for the nomination, but also the continued conservation and management of Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary,” she said. The country’s sixth property inscribed in the list, Mt. Hamiguitan is also the first in the entire island of Mindanao and the first mountain in the Philippines to be inscribed in the highly-esteemed list. The MHRWS is considered one of the most important biodiversity areas in the Philippines flourishing with diverse species of flora and fauna. Situated at the southern end of the Eastern Mindanao Biodiversity Corridor, the Mt. Hamiguitan covers 31,879 hectares of beach, lowland, mountain and mossy forest. While famous for its century-old ‘pygmy’ or bonsai forest which signifies its highly mineralized soil, Mt. Hamiguitan is also home to the endangered Philippine Eagle. The area has been officially protected in 2004 through Republic Act 9303. Aside from being a natural, must-see attraction of the province that is poised to boost the province’s

tourism industry, Davao Oriental is doubling its effort in the protection and preservation of the site, making sure that the influx of tourists will not disturb the wildlife haven. “The conservation of this property is the Filipino people’s gift to the rest of humanity,” said Governor Malanyaon. “We take seriously our responsibility to protect the site’s high endemic species of flora and fauna, some of which are critically endangered like the Philippine Eagle and the carnivorous pitcher plants. Mount Hamiguitan is likewise home to an expansive centuries-old tropical pygmy forest.” “The inscription is a celebration of the global partnership in our shared vision and desire to conserve these natural gifts for future generation. It is also a step forward towards the continuation of monitoring and preserving the fragile ecosystems in the mountain amidst changing climate and typhoon patterns,” she added. Covered by three political territories, the municipalities of San Isidro and Governor Generoso and the City of Mati are working hand-in-hand with the provincial government in crafting policies which would mean the reinforcement of imposing strict compliance to the Provincial Environment Code and guidelines that would help preserve and conserve Davao Oriental’s Mt. Hamiguitan. PIO

Hamiguitan...FFROM 1

NOTICE OF LOSS

Notice is hereby given by LOYOLA PLANS CONSOLIDATED INC. That CERTIFICATE OF FULL PAYMENT No.(s) 21056794 under LOYOLA PLAN Contract No.(s) 10031817-5 issued to EDITH G. INTING was lost. Any transaction entered into shall be null and void. 6/17,24,/7/1

With the case, Danao expressed his apology to the reporters in a television and radio interviews but he does not reach the

three personally. Yesterday morning, a reporter tried to get some spot and progress reports from other incidents in

the city but the personnel of IDMB who refused to be named said that Danao ordered him not to post all police reports in the me-

dia lounge. The IDMB personnel further advice the reporters to get it from the police precincts in the city.

ment officers are the only ones authorized to apprehend franchising-related violators. The LTFRB has not deputized any local government unit (LGU) traffic personnel to apprehend these violators. In June 19th, around 2,000 to 3,000 people or

1,000 vehicles, mostly jeepneys and vans also participated in a transport caravan to protest the implementation of the JAO 2014-01. The protesters assembled at the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City at 7 am and headed for the East Avenue where LT-

FRB and LTO offices were located and proceeded to the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) building in Mandaluyong City for another rally. “The LTFRB is currently investigating the participants who joined the

recent transport protest caravan to impose penalties because franchise operators are not allowed to engage in strikes, rallies or any other actions against the government. This is included in the conditions as a franchise operator,” Violan said.

ni kay alalay ko man ni sa firing range sa quarry (Laud Quarry Firing Range),” Lumbatan said. Lumbatan said that after the telephone call he immediately went to DCPO detention facility to know the cause of his detention. “Pero, ang gigawas na istorya sa police was safe keeping daw,” Lumbatan said. He said that Labang narrated to him that he was fetched by the arresting officers upon his arrival in the firing range.

“Ni abot siya nag motor kay motrabaho siya didto sa quarry gahapon (last Sunday) kay daghan man mag firing, gi round-up, gipunit and then mao nato nahitabo sa iyaha,” Lumbatan narrated. The lawyer said that the suspect was shocked upon his arrest because he did not expect it to happen. He added that last Sunday was the birthday of Labang’s child and his wife has just given birth. At around 12:30 noon yesterday, the police

brought Labang to City Prosecution Office to file a formal complaint against the suspect. Before he was brought inside the patrol mobile, reporters had the chance to interview a weeping Labang who said that he did not know the accusations hurled against him. He also denied that he admitted the crime to the police investigators. After few minutes, the patrol mobile of DCPO immediately fled convoyed with the Special Weapons

And Tactics (SWAT) of DCPO. Labang was submitted for inquest proceedings before Prosecutor Faizal Padate for illegal possession of firearms as the police recovered from his possession a caliber .45 pistol with 14 live ammunition during his arrest last Sunday. During the inquest, Labang was guarded by five SWAT personnel inside the City Prosecution Office and no member of the media was allowed to interview the suspect.

public affair program, and Saksi (Eyewitness) evening edition for the evening slot of 8:30-9:30 pm. Their drama ratings also climbed its way up to the highest level from low ratings in the past. One of the reasons the station overhauled in programming is the strengthening of its public affairs program. It also ventured into coming up with programs of social signifi-

cance with projects that catered to the general public making up Metro Davao and utilized major areas in far-flung provinces in the region as a whole. In 2012, the station launched “Super Radyo, Super sa Serbisyo Publiko,” a project where the staff provided free medical assistance, legal services, and feeding programs for roughly 5,000 less fortu-

nate residents of Davao City and Davao del Sur. In 2013, the station also launched “Pagbangon at Pagsulong, Super Radyo ang Katulong Project,” which until now, has been touching the lives of communities everywhere. They implemented the project by providing aid and relief goods to impoverished families, needy children, including ca-

lamity victims in far-flung provinces in partnership with other agencies. “Ginapanindigan namo ang tinuod na serbisyo, walang kinikilingan at walang pinoprotektahan. Dili lang siya public affairs, gipaduol pud namo among kasing-kasing. Kay sa GMA, una ang puso,” according to Jun Digamon of DXGM Super Radyo Davao. [VSA]

zation of PDAF. Miranda will undergo preliminary investigation along with Technology Resource Center (TRC) officials Antonio Ortiz, Dennis Cunanan, Marivic Jover, Belina Concepcion, Francisco Figura, Maria Rosalinda Lacsamana, and Consuelo Lilian Reyes Espiritu as well as Domingo Mamauag and Edison Sabio

of Aksyon Makamasa Foundation, Inc. (AMFI). Incumbent public officials Cunanan, Jover, Concepcion, Lacsamana and Espiritu also face administrative charges for grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service. Field investigation was ordered conducted on the

PDAF scam as early as July 2013 when Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales motu proprio initiated a fact-finding investigation in response to news reports on the “pork barrel scam” expose. Several investigation teams were subsequently created to expedite the investigation by gathering

numerous documents and interviewing hundreds of witnesses nationwide based on the Commission on Audit (COA) Special Audits Office Report No. 2012-03 which involved a total of Php6.156-billion worth of PDAF released from 2007 to 2009 by various implementing agencies to 82 NGOs. [PNA]

Colorum... FFROM 3

Suspect’s...FFROM 3

DXGM... FFROM 3

LEGAL NOTICE FOR CANCELLATION AND REVOCATION OF CONTRACT FOR QUARRY

Notice is hereby given that CONTRACT FOR QUARRY,involving a parcel of land covered by Original Certificate of Title No. P-2216, registered in the name of TAGWALAN PANGARAWAN ,containing an area of 159,574 Square meters, more or less with JAYMINI T. HERNANDEZ, which was referred in the said contract as the SECOND PARTY, has been CANCELLED and/ or REVOKED, per Doc. No.415; Page No. 83; Book No.X; Series of 2014 of the NOTARY PUBLIC MARIANO APAO JR.;CPA 6/10,17,24

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late TAGWALAN PANGARAWAN and AYRAN LINDONGAN PANGARAWAN has been the subject of an EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT executed among their heirs per Doc. No.179; Page No. 36; Book No. IV; Series of 2011 of the NOTARY PUBLIC MARIANO APAO JR.,CPA 6/10/17/24

EDGEDAVAO

ICT HUB

VOL. 7 ISSUE 71• TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014

Angry Birds Epic

emember the first time you discovered those cute colorful birds in the gaming world. I am talking about the Angry Birds. That phenomenal game app with slingshot moves and all that bird stuff was once our favorite game app. Too popular was that game it sparked a revolution in gaming history by expanding its wings to the merchandise business. At the height of Angry Bird’s popularity, most kids are wearing Angry Bird shirts and other stuff. Enterprising people made it part of kiddie fashion and toys. Not long after, Angry Birds became a merchandising hit like Sesame Street and Mickey Mouse. Because of the people’s addiction to this game, we didn’t just see them in our mobile phones but also in shirts, bags, tumblers and even in children’s underwear. That’s how famous they get. Even Miley Cyrus can’t beat the popularity of these birds.

CHILL JILL

Athena Jillian Bravo Fast forward to present time. Birds as gaming creatures have evolved rather differently. These new birds are totally different and annoying unlike the Angry Bird characters. We’re pretty lucky that the original birds are back! Time for some new epic adventure with the angry birds Red, Bomb and the rest of the gang as they beat King Pig and his followers. Angry birds’ new game mode is literally epic as you battle with new set of weapons in a new battlefield. You may also wear some hats to add some drama in the game. It’s quite expected that

this game already got more than a million downloads and very high ratings from its loyal players because there’s no doubt that this game is fun and playable anywhere. Expect the ratings to be ruffled like feathers when the Angry Birds are back.

Fake FIFA account scamming gamers A

S World Cup fever grips the nation, interest in EA’s FIFA soccer games is on the rise as well -- and that’s bringing out the scam artists. A popular Instagram account offering new and exclusive characters for FIFA 14 and 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil turned out to be a fake, designed to steal users’ Xbox Live and/or Origin game service log-in details. Cyber security compa-

ny Malwarebytes issued the alert on the account (from user “easportsut2014”), which resulted in the page being taken down, but not before nearly 10,000 people followed it. That puts a lot of folks at risk, and similar scam sites could pop up before the World Cup comes to an end. What should you look out for? In easportsut2014’s case, it was a graphic containing the game’s logos and

General Santos Drive, Koronadal City, South Cotabato 9506

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

General Santos Drive, Koronadal City, South Cotabato 9506 Tel. No. 083-228-2511 ; Fax No. 083-228-2654

WANTED FOR IMMEDIATE HIRING!

BUS DRIVER

Qualifications: Qualifications:

1. Male, 28 – 40 years old

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

1. Driver’s License with Official Receipt Requirements: 2. 2 x 2 License I.D. picture (2Official pcs.) Receipt 1. Driver’s with 3. Certificate of Employment or clearance from 2. 2 x previous 2 I.D. picture (2 pcs.) employment 3. Certificate of Employment or clearance from May apply in person at Human Resource Department, YBLI Office, General Santos Drive, May applyCity. in person at Human Resource Koronadal

Department, YBLI Office, General Santos Drive, Koronadal City.

the line “Free update now available.” The page was also loaded with Instagram hashtags, such as “Neymar #MOTM is here! The 20 first who log in on the link in our bio get him #Neymar #Brazil”. Clicking those took users to a login page, where they entered their Xbox Live or Origin account information, thus opening them up to hackers. Followers are one thing, but more disturbing was the fact that most images on the account garnered 400 or more likes, with many peo-

ple saying they’d logged in. If you were one of them, it’s definitely time to change your password and keep a very close eye on your account. We’d also suggest running a very thorough malware inspection of your PC.

“While fake support accounts are most definitely a bad thing, we shouldn’t forget about more traditional forms of account theft such as the one above…especially as World Cup fever is now underway,” said Malwarebytes researcher Chris Boyd.

“Do yourself a favour, and – here comes the football related closing gag – kick this one into touch.” As a reminder, game makers like EA will never ask for your account credentials via email, so be wary of any similar messages.

12 CLASSIFIED

VOL. 7 ISSUE 71• TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014

INdulge!

VOL. 7 ISSUE 71• TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

TRAVEL

The quiet side of Singapore

By Carlo P. Mallo

DESPITE its highly efficient mass transit system – whether the bus, the MTR, or the cabs, and its wide tree-lined sidewalks, the hustle and bustle of Singapore’s city center can at times be daunting. Especially if you are on vacation and taking idle time to enjoy this beautiful island-state. Since it was my nth time to visit, there is one thing that I always keep in mind to ensure that my vacation would be as enjoyable as I hope it would be – the location of the hotel. For starters, the hotel must be situated near an MTR station. As it is the best and most efficient way to get around Singapore, get a hotel room near the MTR station. But not all MTR stations are created equal. Some MTR stations are actually quite far when you get underground, while others are just a hop away like the Bras Basah Station. Second, get a hotel that

Art by the pool.

Quirky chair installation.

is not on the premiere side of Singapore. Though getting a suite at Clarke Quay or Orchard is tempting, the quiet neighborhood of Bras Basah is actually more relaxing. Recently, I went on a trip to Singapore just to get away from the usual corporate grind. It was also a time to bring my sister around. We stayed at the V Hotel along Bencoolen St. We stayed for about five days and enjoyed the quiet side of Singapore. Taking leisurely walks around the neighborhood, which houses the Singapore Art Museum, a Catholic church, a university, and

V Hotel at Lavender.

there’s even an Irish pub at the corner. The room was spacious by Singaporean standards and the water bottles were replenished every time we’d return to the hotel room. Also, the staff was friendly and the hotel was a gallery in itself with its peculiar art pieces and quirky installations. But what made the hotel really remarkable was its location – a very short walk from the Bras Basah station a station away from the Dhoby Gaut interchange, the platform that will bring you to nearly all destinations in Singapore. The convenience of the hotel and the local vibe of the place gave my sister and I a truly Singaporean experience – not to men-

tion the chili crabs and the shopping. Finding the right hotels,

like V Hotel, is so much easier, and cheaper nowadays! Websites like Agoda.

com would be a great tool to help you plan your next trip abroad.

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge! UP AND ABOUT

Take your step to success at the Entrepreneur and Franchise Expo and the Entrepreneur Success Summit this June 27-29 THE ENTREPRENEUR AND FRANCHISE EXPO 2014 with the tagline, “Your Step to Success!”, is set to be held on June 2729, 2014 at the MegatradeHall, 5th Floor, Mega B Building, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City. Empowering over 100 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) from various business sectors, the 3-day event features innovate and fast growing businesses, from food, education, retailing, real estate, travel, automobiles, logistics, agriculture, manufacturing, technology and financing that visitors can explore from. The expo will also provide seminars on how to build a successful business, from funding, hiring, to finding the perfect business for you, making it the perfect market place for aspiring entrepreneurs and future franchises. “Over 99% percent of registered businesses in the Philippines are MSMEs according to the DTI, but they combined only contribute to 30% of the National GDP. With the ASEAN integration happening in 2015 new competition is coming in, our vision as the expo organizer is to strengthen local businesses and provide a platform for them to showcase their innovative products and services. We also provide assistance for business owners and executives to network amongst other professionals and stakeholders in order to open opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs to start their own business and for local businesses to grow regional” says MEDIACOM SOLUTIONS INC. President and Entrepreneur and Franchise Expo Founder and Managing Director, David Abrenilla. The Entrepreneur and Franchise Expo 2014 is supported by the Young Entrepreneurs Society Philippines and the Filipino International Franchise Association (FIFA), lead by multi-awarded franchise developer Mr. Rudolf Kotik, who will share his insights on how to build and grow a successful franchise business on Sunday, June 29 from 3pm-5pm. Highlight of the event is the ENTREPRENEUR SUCCESS SUMMIT 2014, held on Saturday, June 28, 2014 at the Megatrade Function Room, 5th floor, Building B, from 1pm-7pm, a comprehensive series of talks by 20 entrepreneurs and business innovators that will share their time and secrets to success to empower business owners professionals, aspiring entrepreneurs in starting and growing their businesses and their ideas. The summit will feature 5 talking topics, Building a successful Start Up Business, Money Mind 101, Passion4Fashion Entrepreneurship, Building a Food Empire and New Media Marketing. Among the rooster of speakers will be Globally Award Winning Brand Architect, Risk/Crises/Reputation Strategist, Marketing and Communications Innovator and Founding Director of GeiserMaclang Marketing Communications, Amor Maclang; MultiMedia Entrepreneur, CoFounder and Managing Director of Flippish.com, Chris Tan, Managing Director of MetroDeal, Ralph Manalo Wunsch; SME Advocate, Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2013 Finalist and Chairman & CEO of Esquire Financing, Rajan Uttamchandani; Educational Entrepreneur, ANC’s On The Money Host and President of The Masters Academy Homeschool, Edric Mendoza; Tech-Entrepreneur and CEO of TwitMusic.com, Stefan Fazzini; E-Commerce Advocate and DigitalFilipino.com Founder, Janette Toral; Tech-Entrepreneur and Regional Director of Freelancer.com, Jojy Azurin; Intl. Networking Entrepreneur and Co-founder of the Freight Summit, Nils Walle; Design Strategist, Branding Expert and Co-Founder of KKK Coffee, Brian Tenorio; Fashion Blogger and Stylist Patricia Prieto; Radio Personality, Popular Model & Fashion Entrepreneur, Co-founder of SisiterSecrets.com, Karen Bordador; Food Entrepreneur and Merkato Market Co-founder, RJ Ledesma; Mercato Market Co-Founder and founder of OurAwsomePlant.com, Anton Diaz, Draft GastroPub co-founder Mitch Malli; Mandaluyong City Counselor and Co-founder of SisiterSecrets.com, Charisse Abalos and many more. Exhibiting companies include Injoy by Doxo, Globe Business, 2Go Express, Benchmark Email Marketing, Gleent Innovations, Uber Technologies, IdentiyHub, Persia Grill, SisterSecrets, Manang’s Chicken, BK Whitening, UniOil, Esquire Financing and many more. Register at www.efe.ph to get a FREE Priority Access Pass and to attend the summit

VOL. 7 ISSUE 71• TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014

Donna of all trades

PEOPLE

RECENTLY engaged Donna Mae Congson, brings her drive, expertise and professionalism to everything she does. Her commitment to

providing long-term costefficient, fun and productivity improvements for clients is an underlying goal as she manages her businesses (i.e. Piyesta Restobar & KTV, Envy Me Salon, Hairs & Nails Salon) day-to-day operations throughout General Santos City and Davao. Donna gained valuable experience from the ground up. From growing up in a their salon, where her mother always brings her along, to having worked way back in 2005, where she started out as a manager on a popular fast-food chain for 1 1/2 years, up until she stepped into her

own business platform. This background fostered Donna’s firm understanding of what makes the ideal match between work and passion, employee and employer, knowledge and wisdom she leverages to benefit her businesses clients and employees. Donna is active in the local community not only as an entrepreneur but also a recognised member of Legendz, a group of zumba instructors known to all fitness enthusiasts all

over Gensan. She is also a member of SOX Bloggers and also a contributor at Gensan Gazer as a beauty writer. Juggling multiple business, dashing through hectic schedules, and yet Donna carries herself in a very optimistic and vibrant aura, just sitting next to her makes me feel all bubbly and giddy. When asked whats her secret, she replied, “I believe at the goodness in everyone. Karma, you get what you give. The chain reaction of one persons good deed that would echo and replicate through time. Good deeds that don’t ask anything in return.” a set of principles she learned from her mother, that she considers as the foundation of her being. As a young entrepreneur myself, I look up to

Donna, on how she manages business and personal matters. With that said, she gave me a piece of advice, “Start small, dream big. Enjoy!”, I have to admit I sometimes get too excited and want to rush to success, but she made me realise that its all about learning and enjoying the journey, to successfully reach ones destination. There is no stoping this super-lady, watch out this coming September as Donna and her crew are cooking up a Beauty Expo, to be held in both Davao and Gensan. For more details on Donna, visit her blog at kikaymuch.me Follow me on Twitter or Instagram, @kyriekoutre for more adventures in and around my wonderland that is Gensan, Tuna Capital of the Philippines.

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

VOL. 7 ISSUE 71• TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014

ENTERTAINMENT

Lauren Young graces ‘Araw ng Banaybanay’

WEEKS before promising actress Lauren Young impresses the moviegoers in her first mainstream starrer Overtime under GMA Films, she went on a Davao Oriental trip to witness and experience its celebration of the Araw ng Banaybanay last weekend. Accredited by the Department of Tourism as one of the festival attractions in Southern Mindanao, the Araw ng Banaybanay is meant to commemorate its confirmation as a municipality. Last June 21, Lauren bannered a fun-filled Kapuso Fiesta mounted for the enjoyment of the Dabawenyos. Sharing the stage with her is Kapuso leading man

Geoff Eigenmann at the Banaybanay Gym. Hosting the celebration is comedian Boobay.

While on the the following day, June 22, a hilarious Kapuso Mall Show featuring GMA Artist Center talent

Jeric Gonzales and veteran stand-up comedians Ate Gay and Chubbylita took place at the Events & Convention Center of the KCC Mall of GenSan. Also happening in the same venue is the Mindanao leg of the auditions for the comebacking well-loved 80s drama series Yagit. Part of GMA’s nationwide search for potential child actors who will portray the lead characters in the said series, the auditions drew crowds with aspiring stars supervised by acclaimed director Ms. Gina Alajar. In the Visayas, Bela Padilla, who stars in GMA News TV’s upcoming original series Sa Puso Ni Dok and Derrick Monasterio from afternoon

prime’s The Half Sisters grace the event center of the Bingawan Gym for Iloilo’s 6th Pagnahi-An Festival. Meanwhile, up north, a delicious festival is was cooked up at the City of Batac in Ilocos Norte, as it held its annual Empanada Festival. Showcasing the region’s famous delicacy, the said festival also promotes

Batac’s cultural development. Stars from GMA’s newest family drama series My BFF joined the Ilocanos in the festivities. Leading the party is Mona Louise Rey together with Valerie Concepcion and Hiro Peralta who delighted their fans at the Imelda Cultural Center via a Kapuso Fiesta.

Bea, Paulo, and Jason enter “PBB” house to distract housemates from ‘freeze’ task Kapamilya celebrities recently dropped by the famous “Pinoy Big Brother” house to distract the “PBB All In” housemates from their Freeze task, which requires them to stop moving whenever Big Brother announces “tigil.” Having lost their previous two weekly tasks, all the housemates are all the more determined to succeed in the ‘Freeze’ challenge and win their weekly budget. Aside from that, all of them also have to face the eviction of more than housemate that will be given an unexpected twist by Big Brother this weekend. Their recent visitors were “Sana Bukas Pa Ang Ka-

hapon” stars Bea Alonzo and Paulo Avelino, who teased the housemates and tried to made them move, albeit unsuccessfully, and taught them how to act. Kapamilya hunk Jason Abalos, boyfriend of housemate Vickie, also went in the house just as the housemates stood motionless to

deliver a letter from her father. Meanwhile, an online teaser released by “PBB All In” announced that the country’s Teen Queen and King Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo are scheduled to enter the house soon. “PBB All In” has put its viewers on an emotional

rollercoaster this week, as it highlighted the special friendship of Jane and Joshua, the arrival of Cheridel Alejandrino, the Elevator Nanay of Olongapo, and Joshua’s and Vickie’s fathers reunion with their kids. Tune in to “Pinoy Big Brother All In” with Toni Gonzaga weeknights after “Aquino & Abunda Tonight” on Primetime Bida” and “Pinoy Big Brother All In Uber” with Bianca Gonzalez, John Prats, and Robi Domingo after “Moon of Desire” on Kapamilya Gold. Discuss the latest events inside the PBB house with Slater Young and Joj and Jai Agpangan in “Ubertime Online” on pinoybigbrother.com/livechat.

James Wright releases debut album under GMA Records KAPUSO rising singer/recording artist James Wright is set to captivate the hearts of the Filipinos with his contemporary music style with the release of his self-titled debut album under GMA Records. Containing five all-OPM songs, with music and lyrics beautifully crafted by Vehnee Saturno, James’ album is a gratifying introduction to a freshfaced neophyte in the Philippine music industry. With its polished production and romance-driven compositions, this album will be a hit in the country. This collection of songs lets James’ versatile voice shine. While his songwriting skills take a backseat, James does a splendid job of incorporating his own character into the songs. Long before GMA Network’s reality talent show Anak Ko ‘Yan concluded, this striking 18-year-old Filipino-Aus-

tralian upstart from Hong Kong was already marked for stardom. James’ Top

5 finish in the said talent search did not stop him from pursuing his dreams of becoming a full-fledged recording artist. He wasted no time in honing his craft and grabbing his opportunities. His lead single “Sana’y Ikaw” was even used as the theme song of the primetime series, Carmela. His heartful delivery of this song made him sound like a man genuinely in love, convincing the public of his credible potential. Meanwhile, James finds himself serenading more sweet sentiments in his four other songs “Ako’y Sa ‘Yo,” “Babe,” “Ikaw ‘Yon,” and “Kung Hindi Ikaw.” James Wright’s self-titled debut album under GMA Records is already out on CDs nationwide at Astroplus, Astro Vision, Odyssey Music and Video, SM Music and Video, and The Landmark record outlets and on digital format worldwide via iTunes and Amazon.

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

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

22 JUMP STREET 2D Jonah Hil, Channing Tatum R13

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

THIRD PERSON 2D Liam Neeson, Mila Kunis R 16

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

R-16 MY ILLEGAL WIFE 2D / * NOAH 2D PG 13 / * R 13

Pokwang, Zanjoe Marudo / *Russell Crowe 12:25 | 2:35 LFS / * 4:50 | 7:25 | 10:00 LFS

A4 INdulge!

VOL. 7 ISSUE 71• TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

EVENT

A Celebration of Life:

Vryzyse Edelweiss Krebs’ Christening By Bai Fauziah Fatima Sinsuat Ambolodto

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

THE START of June marked a very special and blessed day for first time parents, Jean Sarah and Jose Mari Krebs, as they celebrated the much awaited christening of their lovely first born with the rest of the world. Clad in an elegant white couture, baby Vryzyse, was all smiles at the St. Ana Parish Church in the metro. With all eyes on her, it was truly surreal seeing her grinning from ear to ear with her ecstatic parents by her side.

Parents of the couple, selected family members and friends stood in attendance and witnessed the christening ceremonies take place. Indeed, it was a celebration of life truly worth remembering. The after church event was grand, luxurious and pink. With everyone convening at the Northcrest Buhangin private clubhouse, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, guests, close family members and friends, all of whom saw how the couples love transcended over the years, were there to witness another milestone in their life. Kids, from all ages, to adults kept the pink clad venue full of laughter as each welcomed the lovely bouncing baby girl Vryzyse into the world. The venue was transformed in a majestic baby girl wonderland – a balloon arc to welcome the guests, flowers and table centerpieces of colors and shapes, sweet treats spread all over the tables and a human like size of the baby’s name in its most festive color kept and gave the venue its childlike haven feel. True enough, everyone was all smiles – for the camera and each other – as the festivities were underway. A delicious gastronomical feast was prepared for all to enjoy. With a bountiful selection of meat, vegetables, chicken, sweets and of course, lechon, the club-

house roared with every spoonful. After the eating, came the fun and games. One by one, kids and adults alike, participated in a number of games that tested their agility, knowledge and camaraderie. It was all about having fun and that was how the rest

of the day went. “May angels guide you on your journey in life, and sprinkle you with their love and light. May you have the gifts of laughter and song, and be filled with dreams that last all the days long. May you live and care

with kindness and grace, and know within your soul, courage and faith. You will be wrapped in the warmth of your family and friends, and rays of love will shine on you without end.”- Anonymous Welcome to the world, Vryzyse Edelweiss!

13 COMMUNITY SENSE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 71• TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014

Educational Program for patients I

N 2013, a hospital-bound Educational Program for Long Staying Patients was established in Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) in partnership with Davao Children’s Fund Inc. (DCCFI) and the College of Education, University of Southeastern Philippines (CED-USEP). Thirty (30) students were enrolled in Kindergarten, Elementary and Secondary Levels. Now, in its second year of operation, 20 elementary school pupils and eight (8) secondary school students will be participating for the School Year 2014 – 2015. The children are all undergoing treatment for childhood cancer such as Leukemia which accounts for 60percent of the cases, Osteosarcoma and Retinoblastoma to name a few. They are enrolled at Dumanlas Elementary School and Davao City National High

School. Materials from the Department of Education are being utilized by their Volunteer Learning Facilitators who are Faculty, Graduate Students and Undergraduate students of the College of Education, University of Southeastern Philippines as part of their Community Extension Program. Dr. Edna Jalotjot, Project Leader of the Hospital-bound Educational Program of CED-USEP, expounds that in the course of their community extension program at SPMC, they found out that the schooling of children who are chronically ill is interrupted. Hence, they conceived to utilize the hospital where they are housed by making it the learning environment for them in accordance with Inclusive Education that all children should learn together, wherever possible,

Storytelling and Reading session with the kids.

regardless of any difficulties or differences they may have. Dr. Mae Concepcion J. Dolendo, Head of Pediatrics Oncology Department, SPMC and Founding President of DCCFI, on the other hand, said that since the educational program started, her patients are more cheerful and energetic and any intervention that would bring hope, promote better survival rates and achieve excellent, holistic care for children with cancer is welcomed by their organization. In April 2014, 15 children participated in the First Moving Up Ceremony which was considered a milestone by the parents and children themselves. As one parent put it, “My child not only moved up in her treatment of cancer but in her schooling as well. We are grateful for this opportunity.”

Reading appreciation for the teens.

The patients, staff of DCCFI, the teachers of Dumanlas Elementary School and Davao City National High School, University of Southeastern Philippines- College of Education group together for the Opening of the Hospital Bound Educational Program for SY 2014 - 2015

14 SPORTS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 71• TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014

Casintahan leads SFOSA golf winners E FUTURE WGM. Woman Candidate Master Ella Grace Moulic has her sights on a rare accomplishment. Lean Daval Jr.

Moulic chases a record By KAI DEL CORRO

AKE no mistake about it, Ella Grace Moulic is the closest the country could get to a record accomplishment in the square-tabled sport. Only 15 years old, the mainstay of Holy Cross brought home not just four gold medals from the recent ASEAN Chess Championship Plus in Macau earning her the title of Woman Candidate Master, but more importantly the respect and recognition for a young athlete whose strides are well on the way to a global status. The WCM status puts Moulic in a position to become the country’s first ever FIDE Woman Grandmaster—a feat no Filipina one has come close to. At the rate she is going, her mentor James Infiesto, regional head of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines, believes Moulic

is in the best position to achieve the feat. Along with 48 other players from the country, Team Philippines brought home 35 gold medals and four of which were won by Moulic. The Philippines currently ranks number 1 in the girls under 20 division as well as in the girls under 16 age group for many years now. Moulic competed in the girls under 16 category where she faced titled players from Vietnam, Singapore, Mongolia, Laos, and Malaysia where most of them ranked higher than her as Woman FIDE Masters (WFM). She also beat fellow Filipinos from Laguna and a WFM from Pangasinan. At here age, this is Moulic’s biggest accomplishment and she attributes it to her father, Alfred Moulic. Her father was once a chess champion in his peak days as a chess player.

He was a titleholder in the University of Mindanao and is Ella’s first chess mentor. Ella started playing chess when she was just 7 years old after constantly watching her father play chess in Duterte Tournaments as she was growing up. If that wasn’t enough, Ella’s mother was also a chess champion in her earlier days. She then became a varsity member on the Chess team at her school; Child of God Learning Center, which helped, eased her parents’ burdens through the scholarship she received. With more competitions for Moulic and many other potential chess players in the country, Moulic and her team hopes that more companies will be more supportive of their endeavors through sponsorships from companies with a corporate social responsibility.

BOXING REVOLUTION. Sonshine Sports Management through former Governor and boxing expert Manny Piñol presented its Boxing Revolution card set June 28 in yesterday’s Kapehan sa Davao at SM City Davao. Reigning IBO superflyweight champion Edrin Dapudong (extreme left) is shown with reigning Philippine junior welterweight champion Adonis Cabalquinto, Rolando Magbanua, former WBO champion Lorenzo Villanueva, and former WBC flyweight titlist Sonny Boy Jaro. The bpxers are under the watchful eyes of trainer Richard Dumaluan. NJB

J Casintahan fired a sizzling 5-under par 65 good for 41 points to lead the winners in the Grand SFOSA Open Golf Tournament held over the weekend at the Davao City Golf Club in Matina. Casintahan, carrying a three-handicap, shot six birdies with only a lone bogey to score 41 points and take the Class A gross title. He beat runner-up Jonathan Cabreros (34) by seven points. Net champion and runner-up were Jerico Bajo (45) and Apo Luna (40), respectively. Car dealer Doy Relampagos hit four birdies with only one bogey to share the limelight by bagging the Class B gross title with a 37. City Councilor Jimmy Dureza also shot four birdies but made two bogeys to settle for the runner-up with a 34. Net champion was Brian Davila (46) followed by Alro Paglinawan (44). The other gross champions were Randy Arevalo (Class C), Luis Antonio Balajadia (Class D), Nilo Dalut (Seniors 60-70 yrs. Old), Julius Bajo (Seniors 71 and above) and Stella Barnes (Ladies). Arevalo (32) won by four

points over runner-up Rean Ante (28), while City Councilor Dado Mahipus took the Class C net title with 49, a onepoint victory over army official Leo Catipay. Balajadia, on the other hand, carded 26 to beat Japanese Tomio Wasada (23) in Class D. Net champion was grand raffle winner Jong Agton (51), who bested runner-up Vic Sepulveda (45). Dalut (32) won by one point over lawyer Larry Pasquil for the 60-70 gross title, while retired assistant cashier Manny Bendigo (53) beat fellow retired Central Bank employee Alex Cordero (45) for the net crown. Bajo (25) edged veteran Oscar Lopez (24) for the 71 and above gross title while Romeo Jardin (42) won the net over Mindanao Senior Golfers Federation president Joe Custodio (41). Barnes, who also sponsored the two-day event presented by Phoenix Lubricants, carded 24 points to win the gross title in the Ladies division. Net champion was Evelyn Quinsay (46), who won by six points over runner-up Joyce Toribio. More than 170 golfers

saw action in the fundraising event organized by the Sports Foundation of St. Andrews (SFOSA) headed by its president Frank Buno. The principal sponsors werer the San Agustin Services, Phoenix Fuels, Emcor, Suzuki Philippines, Motortrade, Gingging Biong, Col. Sammy Afdal of Adfil Corporation, J.M. Luciano Construction and Nelson “Tata” Sala. The major sponsors were Engr. Noel Basanez and family, Hexat Mining Corp, Qualiserv Security Agency, Tanduay Rhum, VW Vic Lumo, VW Leonard A. Felonia, Chicco de Café, Davao International Container Terminal Inc., Agad, Bro. Cocoy Junsay, Esdevco, Glenn Escandor, EP Manantan Construction, Bobong Ahmed, Manolito Bongar, Archie Et Al, Datu Lester Sinsuat, Leo and Reah Laiyidong Agri-Supply, Bro. Cocoy Magno, Engr. Ludwig Ledesma, MN Bayalas Construction, Ronwood Construction / Peter Dy, LC Ting Construction, Carmelito Mercado, Green T. Org and Atty. Manz & Inday Carpio Duterte. The event was supported also by the F & AM Masonic District Region XI-A and XI-B.

Bike advocate pushes for lifestyle cycling

HESE days, more and more people are becoming health conscious by trying out new diet and dance routines to stay in shape. Younger women have gone on to try fasting in the form of juicing, men go to gyms, and the women-- moms, aunts and grandmoms--take either exclusive or groupie Zumba classes. Other than that, celebrities such as Ellen Adarna, Derek Ramsay, and celebrity couple Anne Curtis and Erwan Heusaff along with many other famous personalities have been actively posting their fitness routines on social networking sites, which in turn have gotten their fans into getting better bodies themselves. It is undeniable that the number of people who have started to care more about their physical health is increasing and with that the craving for newer and better workout and weight loss experiences are at a high. But for bicycle advocate Monica Ayala of Cycle for Life, cycling is a good enough way for her to both stay and shape and help the environment. Cycling to her is more than just her workout, it’s her contribution to the preservation of our environment, and to her advocacy of raising awareness within society about safety for bicycle riders and about the health benefits that cycling can bring. It isn’t yet a common thing to see cyclists around the city and that’s because of some reasons. One of the major challenges that cyclists like Ayala face is the fact that there are no bicycle lanes for the non-motorized vehicles anywhere in the city. This then makes traveling for cyclists risky and even danger-

LIFESTYLE CYCLING. Monica Ayala of Cucle For Life discusses the benefits of cycling during last Friday’s FAST Fridays media forum at Barrio Fiesta of SM Lanang Premier. Lean Daval Jr. ous. Not only that, the motorists aren’t aware of the three feet rule that indicates that each biker or cyclist on the road is entitled to have a safe distance with other cars of at least 3 feet to the left, to the right, and to the back. “Unlike people in cars, we travel without much protection, it’s just our skin and bones,” said Ayala during the FAST Fridays media forum at Barrio Fiesta of SM Lanang. With this in mind, Cycle for Life conducted bike clinics to teach bikers how to safely maneuver with traffic. She also mentioned the need to educate those on bicycles on the proper gear and equipment necessary when going on a ride. The basics are head and taillights, blinkers, and reflectors for road safety and of course the helmet. The bike clinics also covered road safety and etiquette. Ayala says there are countless benefits that cycling can bring. First, and most evident of all are the

health benefits. “When riding on a bike or cycling, multiple muscle groups are being used and so it helps your body release endorphins which are ‘happy hormones’ that’s why most cyclists are happy.” She also mentioned that cycling has an economic value. Having a bicycle in each household can definitely help in easing the family budget of our fellow Filipinos under the poverty line by helping their kids go to school on bicycles instead of having to pay a jeepney fare. There are many cyclists in the city with their own groups and organizations but still they do not have enough support to make Bicycle Lanes a reality in Davao City. With the National Bicycle Day coming up in November 16, 2014, Cycle for Life aims to involve the business sector, the NGOs, some private individuals and the local government in hopes of creating a safer Davao for our cyclists. [KAI DEL CORRO]

SPORTS 15

VOL. 7 ISSUE 71• TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014

Pagara brothers, Banal in devastating wins A

PREMATURE stoppage by referee Danrex Tapdasan deprived fight fans of a climactic ending to a fantastic, action-packed fight card which saw WBO International junior welterweight champion Jason “El Nino” Pagara retain his title with a 4th round TKO over the gallant Mexican warrior Marco “Rocky” Meraz before a sell-out crowd at the plush Waterfront Hotel and Casino here in Cebu City on Saturday night. In a night of knockouts, the undefeated Prince Albert Pagara, the 20 year old younger brother of the 25 year old Jason, scored a devastating 1st round TKO over cocky Hugo “Olimpico” Partida who at the weighin head-butted Pagara and even threw a punch which angered Prince Albert who vowed to make

Partida pay and he did in awesome fashion. A right to the jaw dropped the Mexican in the early stages of round one before a flurry of punches had Partida reeling against the ropes which held him up from going down for a second time, with internationally respected referee Bruce McTavish correctly ruling it a knockdown. Partida beat the count but there was no way he was going to escape the wrath of the young Pagara who, together with elder brother Jason, gave substance to the fight card titled “Fists of the Future” on the tremendously successful “Pinoy Pride” series of ALA Promotions in cooperation with the giant broadcast network ABS-CBN which telecast the fights on Channel 2 at 10:15 a.m. on Sunday.

Portugal held to 2-2 draw by US

ANAUS, Brazil (AP) — With Cristiano Ronaldo on the field, a one-goal lead is never safe. The world player of the year rarely sparkled on a hot and humid night in the jungle, but his inch-perfect stoppage-time cross set up Varela for the equalizing goal Sunday in Portugal’s 2-2 draw against the United States at the World Cup. The Real Madrid winger, who has been playing despite a left knee injury, showed flashes of his best, but his impact was minimal until the final seconds of the match. He curled the ball in to a diving Varela, who headed past Tim Howard to give the Portuguese team a slim hope of advancing to the second round and deny the Americans instant advancement. “He made a great cross,” said Howard, Ronaldo’s for-

mer teammate from their days at Manchester United. “Football’s cruel sometimes.” The United States now has four points in Group G, the same as Germany. Both Portugal and Ghana have one point. The Americans will face Germany on Thursday in Recife, while Portugal takes on Ghana at the same time in Brasilia. “Obviously we’re disappointed, but at the end of the day you’ve got to look at the positives, we got a point,” said United States captain Clint Dempsey, who scored to give the Americans a 2-1 lead in the 81st. “It’s going down to the last game and hopefully we get the job done.” Nani scored first for Portugal, shooting past a sprawling Howard in the fifth minute. But the Americans responded in the second half as Portugal

BICYCLE. Ghana’s Muntari clears the ball away from Germany’s Mueller and Kroos during their 2014 World Cup Group G match at the Castelao arena. The maych ended in a 2-2 draw.

Chile, Netherlands battle to avoid Brazil

HE hordes of yellow shirts fill the crowd, the players and fans belt out the national anthem in unison, the spirit envelopes everybody in close proximity - and then, of course, there is Neymar. There is something special about Brazil inviting the rest of the world to see what can become of football when a whole country pulls in one direction for a couple of hours. The hairs on the back of the neck have rarely been more alert, even for neutrals. But it is hardly the most mouth-watering of prospects for an opposing national team and, for one of Netherlands and Chile, it will almost certainly become a reality. Brazil will probably qualify from Group A as winners, while it would take a pair of freak results on Monday to knock out the Selecao and spare both Louis van Gaal and Jorge Sampaoli from having to plot a route past the host nation on the way to the

EQUALIZER. Portugal had looked on their way out of the tournament until the fifth minute of added time in the Group G clash when Ronaldo’s curling cross from the right was met with an emphatic header by substitute Silvestre Varela past goalkeeper Tim Howard.

quarter-finals. The probability is that the early kick-off at the Arena Corinthians in Sao Paulo has become a play-off for the right to avoid Brazil. With both nations having already qualified, such a fixture might normally be expected to be a non-event but, given the apparent booby prize awaiting the loser, this one suddenly takes on another guise. “It is going to be a final,” claimed Chile midfielder Arturo Vidal in a press conference on Sunday. “Both teams want to win the group and it is certainly going to be difficult to play Brazil in their own country in the World Cup but we are not concentrating on that, only on trying to beat Netherlands.” There was a lot of that. Both coaches added their own line regarding the need not to focus on Brazil but the reality is that the final group game has a raised importance entirely because of the home side. If the rhetoric about this

game being like a final is true, then that is exactly because Brazil are likely to await the losers. For Chile in particular, the sight of their name alongside that of the fivetime winners is not one they will relish. Three times they have reached the knockout stages in previous World Cup finals tournaments and all three times they have been sent packing by Brazil. While in 1962 they were hosts, in 1998 they had the likes of Ivan Zamorano and Marcelo Salas in their ranks and four years ago they were led by the legendary Marcelo Bielsa, however, this time around they feel that they have something more in their favour, boasting probably the best ever generation of Chilean footballers. “It’s difficult to talk about Brazil and what has happened before,” says Vidal. “On Monday we will just have to play to win and we will go step by step but we do believe in ourselves.

“I guess this is Chile’s best generation. We have a lot of players playing outside of Chile and when we come back together we are very strong.” But the Dutch side they face have quality too and they will surely fancy their chances more against Brazil based on previous history. In four World Cup meetings, the Oranje have a 2-2 record against the Selecao and even then one of their two defeats came only after a penalty shootout, in the 1998 semi-final in Marseille. But if there was a clear motivation in Louis van Gaal’s anti-Fifa rant on Sunday, in which he claimed that there was “unfair play” in the scheduling of Brazil’s fixtures, it was because he knows as well as anyone how tough they will be to knock off their perch in their homeland. With the nation behind them last year Brazil became unstoppable, sweeping all comers aside to win the Confederations Cup.

Ronaldo:‘Average’Portugal can’t win the Cup

ORTUGAL forward Cristiano Ronaldo has remarkably admitted that he never believed his ‘average’ side could win the World Cup. The Seleccao are still in with a chance of making the last 16 but even if they were to beat Ghana in their final match a draw between Germany and the United States would see those two sides advance from Group G. Paulo Bento’s men were without four players through injury or suspen-

sion for Sunday’s 2-2 draw with the US, and Ronaldo says the squad is not good enough to cope. “Maybe we’re an average team,” he said. “It would be a lie to say that we are a ‘top’ team. We have many limitations and suffer from injuries such as with Pepe [who was suspended] and [Fabio] Coentrao. This limits us a lot. We have a very limited team and we are not at the best level. This does not enable you to beat top teams.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

DRAMATIC ENDING Portugal gets

VOL. VOL.77ISSUE ISSUE71• 71•TUESDAY, TUESDAY,JUNE JUNE24, 24,2014 2014

lifeline, Belgium makes it to last 16 UNLIKELY HERO. Reserve player Silvestre Varela celebrates after heading home the equalizer during the extra time to rescue Portugal from the verge of World Cup elimination.

UIABA Brazil (Reuters) - Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal seized a World Cup lifeline with a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser to secure a 2-2 draw against the United States after highly-fancied Belgium booked a place in the last 16 on Sunday. Belgium scored in the 88th minute of a pedestrian 1-0 win over Russia leaving Algeria to light up Group H by routing South Korea 4-2. Portugal had looked on their way out of the tournament until the fifth minute of added time in the Group

G clash when Ronaldo’s curling cross from the right was met with an emphatic header by substitute Silvestre Varela past goalkeeper Tim Howard. The Americans were seconds away from a last 16 place with goals from Jermaine Jones and Clint Dempsey turning things around after Nani’s early strike for the Portuguese in steamy Manaus. “When you concede in the last second it is unfortunate, but it was an amazing game from us, I can’t ask for any more. Now we have to get a result against Germa-

ny and that is what we are going to do,” said U.S. coach Juergen Klinsmann. Germany and the U.S. have four points with Ghana and Portugal on one apiece going into the final games on Thursday. Germany take on the Americans in Recife with Ghana and Portugal meeting in Brasilia. Belgium teenager Divock Origi became the youngest scorer so far at this tournament when he secured victory with a sharp shot into the roof of the Russia net from Eden Hazard’s devastating run

down the left and pinpoint cutback. Algeria, who lost 2-1 to Belgium in their first match, tore the ramshackle Koreans apart, scoring the highest number of goals by an African team in a World Cup match. It was the joint second-highest scoring match of the Brazil finals so far after France’s 5-2 victory over Switzerland and equalled the Netherlands’ 5-1 thumping of title holders Spain. Islam Slimani and Rafik Halliche stunned the Koreans with two goals in two

minutes and Abdelmoumene Djabou added a third to give Algeria a 3-0 lead at the interval. They became the third team to score three firsthalf goals at this tournament after Germany in their 4-0 win over Portugal and France in their rout of the Swiss. South Korea pulled one back through Son Heung-min, who turned to shoot between goalkeeper Rais Mbolhi’s legs in the 50th minute. Yacine Brahimi scored the goal that set the African record just after the

hour and took the steam out of the Korea rally before Koo Ja-cheol pulled another goal back. Algeria go into their last group match against Russia on Thursday in second place with three points, two more than both Fabio Capello’s side and the Koreans, looking to reach the last 16 for the first time. KOREAN WOES “We did analyse the strategies but the result was such that I could say it was not well done,” South Korea coach Hong Myungbo told reporters.