Edge Davao 7 Issue 77

VOL. 7 ISSUE 77• WEDNESDAY, JULY 2, 2014

www.edgedavao.net

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

IMPORTED SIDEWALK VENDOR. Jerome, a Filipino-American sidewalk vendor, entertains customers in his makeshift store where he displays knock-off earphones along Gov. Duterte Street in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

ANTI-BOOZE STRENGTHENED Council pushes for amendments to liquor, cigarette ban

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

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STABLISHMENTS violating the restrictive law on liquor, alcohol and cigarettes could face stiffer sanctions once the Davao City Council passes amendments to the existing ordinance.

Yesterday, the City Council pushed for the amendment to Ordinance No. 064-02 prohibiting all stores and bars selling or serving liquors, alcohol and cigarettes to minors to add more teeth to the law by expanding the liability to establishment owners. Under the existing provisions of the ordinance, only the violators are liable for violation of the ordinance.

Vice Mayor Paolo Z. Duterte told reporters yesterday in press briefing that the city council is prioritizing the approval for the next six months the

amendment of “An Ordinance Amending, Revising and/or Modifying Section 2, Section 4, Section 5, Paragraphs (A) and (B), Section 6 and Section 7 of Ordinance No. 064-02, Series of 2002, otherwise known as “An Ordinance Prohibiting Retailers, Wholesalers, Grocery Stores, Convenience Stores and other Businesses from Selling or Allowing to be Sold to Minors in their Respective Store and Establishments Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products, Beer, Liquor, and other Intoxicating Beverages

FANTI-BOOZE, 10

THAT’S ME. Dr. Alfonso Lopez, one of Davao Doctors Hospital founders, appears to be very amazed when he saw his photograph hanging on the wall of the institution’s Founders Hall during its inauguration yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

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EDGEDAVAO

THE BIG NEWS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 77• WEDNESDAY, JULY 2, 2014

NAVAL FORCES OF THE YEAR. Commodore Joel dela Cruz of the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) pays a courtesy visit during yesterday’s City Council regular session at Sangguniang Panlungsod to announce that NFEM was adjudged as the Naval Forces of the Year 2014. Lean Daval Jr.

LGU urged to construct permanent evac centers

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N official urged local government unit of Davao City to construct permanent evacuation centers in times of disaster.

Antonio M. Clama, chief of operation division of the Office of Civil Defense told Edge Davao in an interview last Monday that Davao City has enough resources to construct the facility.

“Kung gusto nila pwede sila magconstruct ng permanent evacuation centers.

It’s the responsibility of the LGU kasi meron silang

pera out of the budget na magamit nila for the establishment of the structure,” Clama said.

Clama said that of the total annual budget of the city, there is a mandatory allocation of 5 percent for the disaster and risk reduction and management fund (DRRMF) 70 percent of which is allotted for the preparation, mitigation and prevention. The remaining 30 percent serves as the quick response fund.

“Walang LGU na pwe-

FLGU, 10

WEATHER FORECAST

Zarate lauds SC verdict on DAP

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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abf@edgedavao.net

ABAWENYO lawyer and Bayan Muna representative Carlos Isagani Zarate lauded the Supreme Court (SC) ruling declaring the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) as unconstitutional.

Zarate, who took part in the oral arguments before the Supreme Court, said in a statement circulated to media that the high court’s decision is a partial victory of the people against the pork barrel system.

“As we have orally argued before the high court, DAP is a form of budgetary dictatorship of the Aquino administration that run

afoul with the letter and spirit of the constitution,” Zarate said.

Zarate said that DAP even worsened the graft-ridden and patronage-driven pork barrel system. He added that the DAP “exposes the hypocrisy of the Aquino administration’s hollow, selective and deceptive anti-corruption campaign.”

“For this gravely unconstitutional act, Pres. Aquino and Sec. (Florencio) Abad and all those responsible foe DAP must be made accountable, in the same manner for those involved the PDAF (Priority Devel-

opment Assistance Fund) are to be made accountable,” Zarate urged.

In a related development, solarnews.ph reported that SC spokesperson Theodore Te said in a press briefing yesterday the high court, sitting en banc, voted unanimously on the ruling, with the exception of Associate Justice Presbitero Velasco Jr., who was on official leave.

But, Te pointed out in the report that the ruling would be subject to the views of Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio and Associate Justices Arturo Brion, Mariano del Castillo,

Estela Perlas-Bernabe, and Marvic Leonen who intend to file separate opinions.

The report stated the court partially granted at the same time, the combined petitions for certiorari and prohibition – meaning, the executive branch will have to stop engaging in DAP practices that court deemed unconstitutional.

The report said that Te explained the following acts violated the doctrine of separation of powers among the branches of government and certain provisions under Article 6 of the Constitution:

Davao. However, the meeting which was supposed to be a closed door was open to members of the local media.

Roxas divulged the number of personnel to be deployed but refused to name the alleged terrorist group behind the threat that has been a headline material in the local newspapers.

“I learned from my long experience in Mindanao that real (or unreal) security threats were not handled this way.. It was all discreetly done in whispers and behind closed doors security briefings. I don’t know why

the shift in tactics,” he said.

Dureza also have doubts on the intelligence reports that points to the involvement of master bomb maker Abdul Basit Usman.

“Assuming it’s bombing guru Basit Usman who survived an assault somewhere and now escaping and seeking refuge in Davao, he will be the least threat as he is here to cool his heels or heal his wounds, if any,” he added.

“If it’s the usual mongering about some disrupters related to Ramadan, it’s unfortunate because it results to more racial/ethnic dis-

FZARATE, 10

Dureza assails Malacañang’s handling of ‘terror threat’

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

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crc@edgedavao.net

ORMER press secretary and presidential adviser on peace process Atty. Jesus “Jess” Dureza assailed the way Malacañang handled the alleged terrorist threat in specifically directed at Davao City.

“It’s not that I am already enamored with violence -- but this big hoopla about possible terror attacks in Davao City smells like a rotten, stale fish ( more than “fishy”) to me,” Dureza posted on his Facebook page last Monday.

Dureza, who is now the chairman and president of the Philippine Press Institute (PPI), is suspicious on

how the Palace, especially President Aquino, handled the alleged threat.

“First the big news about no less than the President himself making that now famous phone call to Mayor Duterte. Then sending to Davao City no less the highest police official , Department of Local and Interior Government (DILG) Secretary Mar Roxas to preside over a highly publicized briefing,” he said.

Last Sunday, Roxas flew to Davao City to sit down with Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte to discuss security measures against terror threats at The Marco Polo

FDUREZA, 10

NEWS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 77• WEDNESDAY, JULY 2, 2014

Aboitiz seeks city endorsement to explore geothermal energy

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

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BOITIZ Power Corporation has asked the endorsementof the Davao City council to proceed with its exploration of geothermal energy in the light of itsplans to build more power plants in Mindanao.

According toAbotiz Power vice president for Mindanao Manuel M. Orig, the power firm needed the endorsement of the city council since Davao City is one of the contract areas of the proposed power plant project.

“We need the endorsement and support of the

Davao City council in order to proceed in the exploration and if successful, to construct and operate a geothermal power plant,” Orig explained to the reporters yesterday at Sangguniang Panlungsod.

Orig said that the power plant proposal will take five years before they can operate it. He said that exploration will take two years, another two years for construction of the plant.

“Operation, hopefully on the fifth year magsugod,” Orig said.

FABOITIZ, 10

PRICE MANIPULATION

High prices despite abundant supply DDH sets expansion until

AMENDMENTS. Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Z. Duterte (right) discusses City Council issues with Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre before the start of yesterday’s regular session at Sangguniang Panlungsod. Duterte said the City Council will prioritize the amendments of Ordinance No. 064-02 or the ordinance that prohibits selling or allowing to be sold to minors aged 17 & below cigarettes/other tobacco products and beer, liquor & other intoxicating drinks. Lean Daval Jr.

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RESIDENT Benigno S. Aquino III said that little change in the high prices of basic commodities despite an abundance of supply in markets indicates the presence of price manipulators.

“The supply (of commodities) is abundant but the price keeps on getting jacked

up. So ito ang isyu. Is somebody manipulating the prices rather than ang law of supply and demand taking such an action,” he said Tuesday during an interview on the sidelines of the celebration of the 67th anniversary of the Philippine Air Force in Angeles, Pampanga.

FHIGH, 10

it marks 50th year in 2019

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

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crc@edgedavao.net

N its 45th year of providing quality medical service to

Davao communities, the Davao Doctor’s Hospital is venturing to expand its operation to suburban areas in the city.

Raymund CS Del Val, president and CEO of DDH, said yesterday that staring this year they are planning to construct satellite branches in the districts of Mintal and Buhangin.

“We want to expand to Buhangin because the communities there are expanding so as in the Mintal area,” he said, adding that they are targeting to set up one every year until DDH’s 5oth

SC UPHOLDS

anniversary on 2019.

Del Val said that satellite branches will serve as “catch basin” to their out patients who live outside the poblacion area of the city.

“Satellite branches will have laboratory, radiology, pharmacy and we are working on lying in and maybe offer dental services,” he said.

DDH has one existing satellite branch located in Dumoy, Toril that caters their clients in the southern part of the city.

Yesterday, DDH inau-

gurated the Founder’s Hall located near the lobby of the hospital during the celebration of its 45th founding anniversary.

Del Val said that the hall was constructed to give recognition to the pillars of the hospital.

DDH was formerly known as Clinica Hilario which started in 1969.

It started with a two-storey building along C. M. Recto Avenue. As it gained more clients, it moved to a bigger place which is now the current location of the

FDDH, 10

RH Law constitutional

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BEAUTY AND BRAIN IN POWER. Lawyer Cynthia P. Alabanza, spokesperson of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, fields questions from reporters during a gathering designed to orient Mindanao media practitioners on the current power situation in the country held at the Park Inn by Radisson in Lanang, Davao City Monday afternoon.

Ms Alabanza also discussed multi-million projects designed to enhance the grid. (Photo by RENE B. LUMAWAG/FUJIFILM XT-1)

HE Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday upheld the constitutionality of Republic Act No. 10354, or the “Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law” (RH Law), except some of its provisions.

This after the SC on Tuesday denied the six motions for reconsideration (MRs) filed by some of the petitioners and intervenors in the case.

In a press conference, SC Public Information Office (PIO) Chief and Spokesman Atty.

Theodore O. Te, said that the Court denied all the MRs filed

by The Filipino Catholic Voices for Reproductive Health Inc., Pro-life Philippines, Joan De Venecia, Philippine Alliance of

XSeminarians, former Senator Francisco Tatad and his wife Maria Fenny, and Task Force for Family and Life Visayas.

Te said that the Court maintained its April 8, 2014 decision declaring as unconstitutional the following provisions of RA No. 10354: -- Section 7 (Access to Family Planning) which states that the hospitals being run by religious groups are not required to provide a modern family planning method, but the said hospitals should refer their patient to another health facility; -- Section 7 (b) which states that minors who have suffered miscarriage are allowed to have access on mod-

ern family planning methods without written consent from their parents or guardians; -- Section 17 (Pro Bono Services for Indigent Women) which urges private and non-government reproductive healthcare service providers such as gynecologists and obstetricians to render 48 hours each year of free reproductive health service (from the giving of information or education up to medical services) to poor patients, especially to pregnant teenagers; The 48-hour yearly pro-bono service will be included as a pre-requisite for accreditation with the Philippine Health Insurance Corp.

(PhilHealth). [PNA]

4 COMPETITIVE EDGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 77• WEDNESDAY, JULY 2, 2014

SPECIAL FEATURE

Sweetness overload at WOFEX By: ATHENA JILLIAN BRAVO

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ESPITE the health risks of eating sweets, people satisfy a natural craving for sweets practically with total abandon.

People always look for something sweet which can dilute the aftertaste of your main course food.

It’s almost second nature.

People stock on some candies, pastries and chocolates in the fridge just so they are ready to kick out the unwanted aftertaste.

The growth of people investing on food manufacturing-processing business is immensely growing in the country where export-quality raw materials can be found.

dustry once more got the needed exposure during the recent World Food Expo (WOFEX) held last week at the SM Lanang Premier. Among the products with bright future in the market are Dutché under Valmarce Food Marketing Corporation, Beryl Goumet of Global Pacific Distribution Network Corporation and Dee’s Gourmet popcorn.

Dutche parades its line of institutional products like huge chocolate bars which cater to the hotel market and a variety of other consumer products now available in all SM and Gaisano Mall Supermarket in Davao City.

also bread flour and other gourmet products like cheese and cream.

Beryl Gourmet chocolate bars are also very tasty and reasonably-priced. A 200-gram bar fetches at P55 pesos and it comes in different flavors. Beryl also has other varieties like milk chocolate, white chocolate and dark chocolate.

Other Beryl bestsellers include the 1-kilo coin sized chocolate and 75% cocoa distributed to clients all over the country.

Another exhibitor at WOFEX is Dee’s Gourmet Popcorn from Manila and is now set to conquer the Davao market. This pop-

Savings from competitive bidding paved more tourist roads in Region 12

The most common ventures include that of production of sweet products.

Proof that homegrown delicacies need not compete with top brands in the market is the abundance of Philippine products which, quite surprisingly, are prized finds for those who are adventurous in the palate.

The country’s food in-

Dutche’s line of products also includes milk chocolate bars and Belgian chocolate dips whose raw materials are sourced from Davao’s cacao farms.

Another exhibitor in the WOFEX worth singling out is the Beryl Gourmet under the Global Pacific Distribution Network Corporation. This company does not only sell chocolate bars but

corn is totally different because it is baked, not fried. It comes in different flavors like buttery caramel, salted caramel, cheesy cheese, choco caramel, milky chocolate, coffee almond crunch and their best sellers stripes and Santa Fe. Stripes is a combination of white and dark chocolate while Santa Fe is barbeque-flavored.

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ROMOTING right project at the right cost with right quality, and right-on-time implementation with the right people is always the policy of the Department of Public Works and Highways. Series of reforms were enforced to promote good governance and anti-corruption efforts in line with the “Tuwid na Daan” advocacy of Aquino Administration.

Secretary Rogelio L. Singson had announced that competitive and transparent bidding in the department had resulted to a Php24.0 billion savings from July 2010-December 2013.

In Region 12, three tourist road projects were implemented by the

DPWH 12 Regional Office which funding allocation amounting to Php 33.46 million was derived from the savings of the CY 2013 Tourism Road Projects.

DPWH 12 had completed two road furtherance under the CY 2013 Tourism Projects – Gumasa White Beach, New Israel Zip Line and Maitum White Water Tubing.

The road upgrading (gravel to concrete) of 0.1337 kilometer at Junction National Highway of Sarangani- Davao del Sur Coastal Road to Gumasa White Beach Road, Gumasa, Glan, Sarangani was undertaken by the Lone Engineering District of Sarangani and was completed last February 18, 2014.

Correspondingly, the

newly completed road upgrading (gravel to concrete) implemented by the Regional Office at Junction National Highway of Cotabato- Digos Road to Barangay New Israel, Makilala, Cotabato on June 15, 2014 had paved an additional length of 2.6 kilometers.

On the other hand, road upgrading at Junction National Highway of Sarangani- Sultan Kudarat Coastal Road to Pangui- Wali New La Union Road in Maitum Sarangani implemented by the Regional Office is already halfway to its completion.

The Regional Office assures to complete this 5.9 kilometers road project in the third quarter of this year.

5 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 77• WEDNESDAY, JULY 2, 2014

Antonino urges Mindanao execs to submit tourism dev’t proposals M

INDANAO Development Authority (MinDA) Chair Luwalhati Antonino urged local chief executives in Mindanao to come up with viable eco-tourism development proposals, which can be pushed by MinDA for possible funding from the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) board.

Speaking at the opening ceremonies of the 54th founding anniversary of Surigao del Sur held in Tandag City recently, Antonino said that MinDA can help lobby for feasible tourism projects since the organization now sits as one of the members of the TIEZA board by virtue of Republic Act 9996 or otherwise known as the MinDA Act of 2010.

She added that MinDA endorsed to TIEZA several tourism project proposals from the province of Surigao del Sur, which are currently being undertaken.

These include the provision for road access and other support facilities for the Tinuy-an Falls, Enchanted River, and the Britannia Islets Jump-off point.

“Surigao del Sur is host

to a number of Mindanao’s key tourist destinations such as the Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig City, touted as the “Niagara Falls of the Philippines,” Hinatuan’s Enchanted River, which is unique to the country, and the becomingly popular Britania Group of Islands in San Agustin,” said Antonino.

Prior to the creation of MinDA and its membership to the TIEZA board, the entire island-region of Mindanao used to receive an average of seven to 10 percent share from the Philippine Tourism Authority’s (now TIEZA) annual budget.

However, with MinDA’s membership to the TIEZA board, the island-region got a hefty share of 35 percent or P157 million from TIEZA’s budget for tourism development in 2011. A 40 percent share or P340 million from the P851.22-million TIEZA budget for tourism development in 2012 was also secured by the island-region.

“Among the completed TIEZA projects in Mindanao in 2013 include the construction of Bagobo-Tagabawa Village in Sitio Lawon, Brgy. Tibolo, Sta. Cruz,

NATURAL GAS. Mindanao Development Authority Chair Luwalhati Antonino visits Barangay Pagatpatan in Butuan City to check the natural gas, which emanates from the town’s underground water source. The natural gas, believed to be Methane has been utilized as fuel for cooking (inset) by the barangay’s residents in the past two decades.

Davao del Sur, the construction of Davao Oriental Provincial Museum, and the Lake Sebu development.

A P30 million budget was also secured from TIEZA for the construction and implementation of ec-

otourism projects aimed to protect endangered marine species and help sustain community-based tourism

enterprises in Tawi-Tawi’s Turtle Islands, one of the world’s major nesting sites of marine turtles.

6 THE ECONOMY

VOL. 7 ISSUE 77• WEDNESDAY, JULY 2, 2014

MRDP pumps in additional P125M for various rural livelihood projects A

TOTAL of P125-million worth of new livelihood projects will be implemented in various provinces under the Community Fund for Agricultural Development (CFAD) component of the Mindanao Rural Development Project (MRDP).

The fund source will come from unutilized loan funds of MRDP’s rural infrastructure (RI) subprojects, which were realigned to implement highly-viable CFAD subprojects as well as expand ongoing subprojects.

“Following the World Bank implementation review last March, the Program came up with a priority list of subprojects which will be implemented between May to October,” MRDP Program Director Lealyn Ramos said.

She added that these subprojects under the CFAD component are those short-gestating subprojects that have a track record of being highly-viable. The Program also reviewed previous CFAD subprojects which were issued with Certificate of Availability of Funds (CAF) but were dropped due to foreign exchange fluctuations.

“We are closely coordinating with local government units (LGUs) on the pipeline subprojects to ensure availability of counterpart,” she added.

Under the CFAD, LGUs are required to provide a counterpart of 20 percent, while the remaining funds are sourced from the World Bank loan and national government.

“To ensure the sustainability, the MRDP is conducting assessments of the functionality and viability of the people’s organization who are the beneficiaries of these livelihood projects,” Ramos said.

Region XI obtained the largest allocation with P40-million worth of subprojects including mostly livestock production projects and potable water supply systems, small-scale fishing and crop production subprojects in the provinces covering the provinces of Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte and Davao Oriental.

Around P35-million worth of subprojects were allocated to Region 12.

Some of these subprojects include improving rice production particularly black rice production and provision of pre- and postharvest facilities aside from crops and livestock production.

Rubber-based farming and crumb rubber processing comprise the bulk of the P30-million CFAD allocation in Region 13. Other new subprojects in pipeline for the region include sago flour processing in Agusan del Sur and the establish-

BANANA FLOUR. Rizalie Calma holds a sample packaged banana flour produced by the AMS Fresh Fruits Producers Cooperative (AMSEFFPCO) out of the offgrade bananas from the plantations in Kapalong, Davao del Norte. Local demand for banana flour is seen to increase as it is used in manufacturing ketchup.

The cooperative accessed funding assistance from the Community Fund for Agricultural Development (CFAD) component of the Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP). [Photo by Jay Rosas] ment of a cold-storage facility in Surigao del Norte.

Region 9 received an allocation of P10-million worth of subprojects while Region 10 and ARMM both received P2.5-million worth of subprojects.

The CFAD component has completed 3,523 subprojects with a physical accomplishment of 92 per-

cent totaling P1.1 billion or 86 percent total fund utilization.

By August 2014, ongoing MRDP-CFAD subprojects are expected to be completed, while the new subprojects are expected to be completed in October 2014.

Recent data also showed that the subproj-

ects reached a total of 175,666 beneficiaries, with 24 percent IP beneficiaries and 46 percent women beneficiaries.

Implemented by the Department of Agriculture and jointly funded by the World Bank and the national government, the MRDP is expected to be end by December 2014 paving the

way for the new Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP).

Under the PRDP, interventions will be geared towards market development and support of priority commodities and enterprises and developing a climate-resilient agri-fishery sector. [Jay M. Rosas/ DA-MRDP]

last April 29 through FDA Circular 2014-011 signed

by FDA Director Kenneth Y. Hartigan-Go. The new regulation will take effect one year after its issuance or in June 2015.

Philippine representatives of the GS1 global organization said FDA’s adoption of the new policy indicates government’s strong support for the distribution of high-quality drugs and health products in the country.

“Through this ID system, we will be able to en-

sure the right medicine is administered on patients.

Expired drugs’ being found in the market will become a thing of the past,” said Edward David who is with the GS1 local office.

Because there will be reliable bar code system, fake medical products may easily be identified, David said.

The FDA circular noted that the Philippines is aligning its policy on health products with current international efforts on product safety.

4 oil companies implement FDA compels drug manufacturers to adopt Unique Global ID system hike on gas, diesel prices S

HELL, Petron, Total and PTT Philippines have implemented an increase in their gasoline prices by 45 centavos per liter and diesel by 10 centavos per liter effective 6:00 am Tuesday.

Shell also announced that their kerosene prices had not moved from its earlier rate.

Also, Petron cited a rollback on their Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) by 10 cen-

It figures

tavos per kilo, while a similar decrease on their Auto-LPG product by 6 centavos per liter.

Earlier, Department of Energy (DOE) Undersecretary Zenaida Monsada mentioned that the international oil trade was affected by the massive purchase of Indonesia in preparation for Ramadan, having the highest Muslim population in the world, instantly causing a diminished supply due to high de-

mand. Usually, Indonesians purchase fuel products for their stock during Ramadan as oil companies are closed during the fasting month.

She also said that the chaos in Iraq is causing the international markets to panic, although the civil war is found in the northern region and not in the country’s trading hub in the south. The market worries are similar to the previous encounters in Syria and Ukraine. [PNA]

T

HE Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has adopted the Unique Global Product Identification Number (UGP-IN) system which ensures traceability and safety of globally-traded health and medical products.

The new regulation imposes the use of the UGPIN, a system similar to the internationally-accepted GS1, on all establishments engaged in the manufacturing and trading of health products.

The policy was issued

9.5%

$1B

P62.3 B

Vehicle manufacturer Isuzu Philippines Corp.

(IPC) reported that April 2014 sales jumped by 9.5 percent on the back of the solid performance of its Isuzu D-Max pickup and added that it is well on-track to boost its 12-percent market share in the pickup segment to 20 percent.

The government has approved the rollout of nine new infrastructure projects worth more than $1 billion as part of efforts to boost the country’s competitiveness and ensure the sustainability of the economy’s current boom.

The National Economic Development Authority (Neda) Board chaired by Presidents Aquino has approved for “simultaneous implementation” nine big-ticket infrastructure projects amounting to P62.3 billion, most of which are expected to be completed beyond his term in 2016.

7 ENVIRONMENT

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 77• WEDNESDAY, JULY 2, 2014

Biodiversity: Going, going, gone?

TEXT and PHOTOS

By GERRY T. ESTRERA

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IFTEEN years ago, Time magazine named the Philippines as one of “the world’s top 25 biodiversity hot spots,” areas disturbed by human activity but which remain exceptionally rich in animal and plant species found nowhere else.

According to Russell Mittermeier, one of the authors of Megadiversity: Earth’s Biologically Wealthiest Nations, the Philippine biodiversity was “truly amazing in global terms and this is certainly true of overall diversity but especially so as regards endemism.”

Mount Makiling in Laguna alone has been found to have higher species diversity than the whole of North America. In 1997, the late award-winning zoologist Dioscoro Rabor reported at least 50 species of mammals, 120 bird species, six species of amphibians, 19 types of reptiles and several varieties of fish inhabiting the Mount Makiling Forest Reserve.

A publication prepared by the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB), a line agency of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), said the Philippine forests are home to 13,500 plant species, representing five percent of the world’s flora. Twenty-five genera of plants are endemic.

Forty-five percent of the 1,085 species of terrestrial vertebrates found in the country’s forests are endemic. These include

179 species of mammals, 252 species of reptiles, and 96 species of amphibians.

About 67 percent of the species occur nowhere else in the world.

The country’s wetlands harbor a rich variety of plant and animal life estimated at 1,616 species of flora and 3,308 species of fauna.

Found in coastal and marine habitats are 4,951 species of marine plants and animals. Coral reefs are by far the most diverse with 3,967 species. Seagrass beds follow with 481 species and then mangroves with 370 species.

Among its endemic species, birds gets the attention of the international community. Various studies revealed the country “has the most number of threatened endemic bird species globally.”

The Philippines has 558 species of birds, with 86 of them – mostly local species – under various threatened states. The list includes the Philippine Eagle, which is considered an endangered species.

“Only Indonesia and Brazil have more threatened species at 104 and 103, respectively,” wrote environmentalist Jose Ma. Lorenzo Tan in Kasaysayan, a Reader’s Digest publication. “(But the Philippines) lands in the unenviable position of being the country with the greatest number of endemic bird species in its threatened list.”

The Convention on

International Trade on Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES) listed 12 tree species on the verge of extinction. Three endemic trees are included: almaciga, igem, and kalantas. The nine other soon-to-vanish tree species are batikuling, dungon, ipil, mangkono, sangilo, supa, tindalo, yakal-kaliot, and Mindoro pine.

It’s no wonder why Mittermeier listed the Philippines as “the world leader in degree of (species) endangerment.” In his report, he wrote: “With only 6 to 8 percent of natural vegetation remaining and far less than that in the primary condition, (the Philippines has) the dubious distinction of being considered the hottest of the hot spots and the most severely endangered of the megadiversity countries.”

David Qyammen, the man behind The Song of the Dodo: Island Biography in an Age of Extinctions and Wild Thoughts from Wild Places, has this to say: “There are few places on earth that are richer in biological wonderments, and more sorely beleaguered, than the Philippines.”

Biodiversity (condensed from biological diversity) refers to the vast diversity of plants and animals on the planet and implies the importance of all. Only about 1.75 million species have been formally identified, with scientific names, including everything from bacteria to the

relatively tiny group of vertebrates.

The most accurate estimate yet of the total number of species in the world, according to the 1,140page Global Biodiversity Assessment, is from 13 to 14 million. “Biodiversity represents the very foundation of human existence,” says a summary of the report. “Yet by our heedless actions, we are eroding this biological capital at alarming rate.”

In a developing world like the Philippines, biodiversity provides the assurance of food, countless raw materials such as fiber for clothing, materials for shelter, fertilizer, fuel and medicines, as well as a source of work energy in the form of animal traction.

“The rural poor depend upon biological resources for an estimated 90 percent of their needs,” points out the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.

Despite the multifarious uses, biodiversity is more threatened now than at any time in the past 65 million years.

Harvard biologist Edward Wilson estimates that, at a minimum, 50,000 invertebrate species per year – nearly 140 each day! – are condemned to extinction by the destruction of the tropical rainforest habitat.

At the turn of the 20th century, old-growth rain forest covered about 70% of the entire country. Less than a hundred years later, in 1992, some 8% of the

old-growth forest cover remained, in scattered and small fragments.

“Most of these (forests) are in the higher elevations where people cannot reach, that’s why it remained there,” Rodolfo Caberoy, curator of the Zoology Division at the National Museum, was quoted as saying. “When there is structure, there is function,” Once the structure, or the habitat, is destroyed, the inhabitants are sure to vanish as well. Seymour Sohmer from the Bishop Museum in Honolulu, Hawaii once reported that about half of the endemic species of the Philippines have already been lost as a result of the loss of 90 percent of the country’s original rainforests.

“This (claim) can never be validated since, until today, knowledge of Philippine biodiversity is abysmal for many important groups of flora and fauna,” said the paper titled, Philippine Biodiversity and Conservation: Status, Issue, and Prospects.

Some experts believe the present knowledge of biodiversity in the country is still inadequate. “If we have good knowledge of our biodiversity then we can transform or enhance its transformation to industrial and agricultural uses,” said Dr. William Dar, when he was still the executive director of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Resources Research and

Development.

“You can just imagine the benefits derived if we can convert them to other uses such as food, medicines and other products,” he continued. But the hitch is, “Hindi pa natin halos na-identify or characterize all our genetic resources so this is one big area of concern particularly with biodiversity erosion.”

But one thing is sure: the Philippines is fast losing its biological resources. “A few decades ago, the wildlife of the Philippines was notable for its abundance; now, it is notable for its variety; if present trend of destruction continues, Philippine wildlife will be notable for its absence,” commented Dr. Lee Talbot, who used to head the Southeast Asia Project on Wildlife Conservation for Nature and Natural Resources.

Once a species is extinct, it cannot be brought back again. “When the last individual of a race of living beings breathes no more, another heaven and another earth must pass before such a one can be again,” naturalist William Beebe reminded.

That statement is a good reminder for every Filipino. If each will do his or her part, the world would be a better place to live. “If we are to build a world without hunger, we have to conserve and sustain biodiversity and use it equitably,” declares Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, a former Ramon Magsaysay Awardee.

8

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

VOL. 7 ISSUE 77• WEDNESDAY, JULY 2, 2014

POOLED EDITORIAL

Pass the People’s FOI Bill now!

I

N EXACTLY 24 months, the Aquino administration that came to power on a “Social Contract with the Filipino People” will come to a close. Its trademark shibboleth: “Kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap.” Its path to governance: Daang Matuwid.

Today, we hear less and less of official statements peppered with the same prose.

And yet, as the Aquino administration enters its twilight years, the Filipino people’s disaffection with unabated corruption in high places and jobless growth continues to rise.

In recent weeks, plunder and graft cases have been filed against some senators and congressmen mostly associated with the political opposition, for alleged misuse and abuse of pork barrel monies.

A few other lawmakers allied with the administration had also been implicated but the investigators have shown much less vigor and spunk in running after them.

What is wrong with this story? A big missing link -- a Freedom of Information Act that will affirm with absolute certitude that the long arm of the law will snare all the crooks, whether foes or friends of the administration.

The cases are now unfolding on both legal and political fronts. It is most worrisome that because the wheels of justice grind exceedingly slow in the country, their prosecution will stretch beyond the life of the Aquino administration and past the next national and local elections.

How the political interests of the accused and the accusers would collide or converge in May 2016, the paramount non-partisan interest that must be favored is the Filipino people’s right to know, access information, and hold accountable in law and in the next elections those who amassed our hard-earned taxes for private gain.

At its birth, the Aquino Administration pledged to crack a simple equation–-curb corruption to curb poverty. To most everyone it was clear that an FOI law could have served as fount and pivot of its reform agenda.

An FOI law will define clear procedures and reasonable limits on citizen requests for information and documents vested with public interest and in the custody of public officials and agencies.

And this is the essence of an FOI law-–a rights-based permanent framework that is far more superior to the Administration’s voluntary disclosure of some public finance documents, or only those that it decides to post online.

About 100 countries across the world have enacted FOI laws. They have demonstrated how FOI serves as bedrock and enabler of most other rights of people to education,

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health, livelihood, property, security, and even life and happiness.

In the Philippines, a multitude of citizens and sectors--students, workers, informal settlers, professionals, academics, businessmen, church people, journalists, bloggers, donors, and civil society organizations–have declared their explicit and firm stand in favor of the passage of the FOI law.

The online and onsite petition on www.change.org/TayoNaParaSaFOI for President Aquino and House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. to finally act decisively on its passage has drawn about 10,000 signatories, and counting.

FOI is a legislation that is 27 years overdue. The 1987 Constitution guarantees the people’s right to access information. It enshrines transparency as a state policy. It has obliged the members of Congress to pass an FOI law that will complement and effectively enforce both.

But five presidents and nine Congresses hence, the FOI bill remains an elusive reform measure. It baffles most everyone why such an important legislation has languished for more years in an administration that has sworn to take the path of “Daang Matuwid.”

To be sure, the Aquino administration commands a plurality of votes in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

It has shown it could muster the numbers for reform bills certified by the President.

The Sin Tax Law and the Responsible Parenthood Act are two examples. There is no question that if it wants to, it could do the same for FOI. Under the steady leadership of Sen. Grace Poe, chair of the committee on public information, the Senate passed its version of the bill on third and final reading in record time last March yet.

Meanwhile, in the House, the chair of the committee on public information, Rep. Jorge Almonte, has pledged to see the counterpart bill move past his committee at least before the year is over.

The next move, the final, decisive push for the FOI Act, is for the President and Speaker Belmonte to make.

Beyond partisan political interests, leaders and citizens must together take the path of Daang Matuwid, a road to progress basking in the sunshine of Freedom of Information, to curb corruption and poverty.

Pass the People’s FOI bill now. --Right to Know, Right Now! Coalition ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

RAMON M. MAXEY Consultant

GREGORIO G. DELIGERO Associate Editor

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 77• WEDNESDAY, JULY 2, 2014

Indisputable fact

M

ASSIVE AND MIND-BOGGLING - After severely criticized for the unabated crime incidents increasing by as much as 20% in Metro Manila and 17% nationwide, the Philippine National Police (PNP) leadership is trying to create a scenario, sort of a payanig (shake) probably aimed at catching public attention. With the gist it is the belief that there will be an overall public perception the police organization is really devoted and dedicated in the performance of their duty and its topmost superior a no non-sense “crime buster.”

In this issue, we will start our conversation about rampant illegal gambling and other heinous crime in our subsequent articles. As a normal procedure whoever sits at the helm of the PNP hierarchy will order all the police units and local officials nationwide to intensify and fully implement R.A. 287, a renewed drive against all forms of illegal gambling with corresponding increased penalties especially for illegal numbers game like jueteng, masiao and last-two digits.

The usual procedure is in line with the directive of the President to minimize if not totally eradicate all forms of illegal gambling that victimizes a large number of people especially the poorer sector of society.

But just the same government-sanctioned gambling operations such as the casinos, small town lotteries, and social bingo and lotto games likewise victimized the people, rich and poor alike.

With the directive of a no non-sense campaign rightly in place against jueteng which is very popular in Luzon, masiao in the Visayas and last-two digits in Mindanao all patronized by the ordinary people in the streets, the PNP leadership warned officials and personnel including local officials not to be bribe by big-time gambling syndicates. Sad to lament, though, if seek-

S

ing to establish respect and public confidence is not a “walk in the park” for the PNP chief, so does his much-vaunted all-out campaign against illegal gambling.

Here’s the reason why. The top PNP leadership down to the local units knows full well and had first-hand information about the proliferation of illegal gambling in their respective turfs. Profitable illegal numbers gambling operations will not flourish without the “blessings” of the police and local officials and that’s an indisputable fact. This deplorable situation has been discussed over and over again in the street corners, public gatherings and most notably in mainstream media.

The clandestine operations of illegal numbers game have already been exposed in Congress many times in the past, but for reasons only the lawmakers understand, the revelation and supposed immediate action died a natural death. The common denominator particularly in the provinces is the thriving operations of illegal numbers game. The “financial tribute” from illegal gambling operations is very well known especially to the solid officers of the PNP who are concerned about the young and idealistic police officers corrupted on a scale so massive and mind-boggling.

Various in-depth research, surveillance and investigation conducted by a previous team from Congress monitoring illegal gambling operations revealed that everybody is on the take – regional and provin-

cial commanders are receiving substantial amount every month while provincial and town officials get slightly less as “protection money.” It is not unusual for police officers and some government officials in the socalled jueteng, masiao and last-two areas to live in comfort and style. They can very well afford it.

It is a fact that so many idealistic police officers got carried away by the lure of instant wealth and prosperity. Brand-new and luxurious cars come in pairs, bank accounts in dozen banks, expensive jewelry, fashionable homes in posh subdivisions, stylish condominium units, and young, beautiful and seductive women were also thrown in as compliments. Very few police officers managed to retain their idealism and integrity after tour of duties in the highly lucrative illegal gambling zones.

In fact most officers compete not on the basis of duty and service to the people and country, but on the basis of material wealth. No matter how they would reason out the PNP hierarchy is privy to all of these things and the reasons why illegal gambling refused to vanish in our midst. A lot of enterprising police officers and cash-starved people in government service allegedly are patiently waiting something from well-connected gambling lords during the end of the month. So whether we, the anti-gambling advocates and church leaders like it or not illegal gambling is here to stay.

The PNP leadership may be able to do more than just put a smiling face on the public’s declining trust and confidence in the police. It should acknowledge that there is a problem and look for potential solutions to address posthaste the serious concern rather than think about the issuance of new and different style of police uniform and building a multi-million abode.

Waging cold wars without end

UDDENLY, it seems, the world is at war.

In Iraq, armed and angry militants of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) are at the gates of Baghdad. In Pakistan, government forces are mounting a ferocious campaign against the Taliban in North Waziristan. In Syria, the civil war drags on. These are “hot wars” involving the clashing of troops and weapons. Having escaped such “hot” conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, these are the sort of war Americans have made it plain they are not prepared to fight.

But there are other wars going on. In Yemen, a forgotten war against an al Qaeda outcrop continues, largely fought with lethal U.S. drones. In Ukraine, Moscow is undermining the Kiev government by stealth. Russian President Vladimir Putin, anxious not to press his luck after successfully snatching Crimea from Kiev, is like a fox sliding through the hen coop, careful not to set off the alarm. He is being countered by targeted sanctions imposed by the United States and the European Union.

These are “cold wars” — a contemporary variation on the 40-plus years of Cold War fought to a standstill by the United States and the Soviet Union.

The very nature of war has changed since the hauling down of the Berlin Wall in 1989. As the Cold War raged with of-

OPINION

BY NICHOLAS WAPSHOTT

Part 1 of 2

ten imperceptible intensity, the two sides mounted “hot wars” by proxy in minor theaters — the most prominent and punishing for the United States being Vietnam, a “cold war” first fought with teams of U.S. advisers, war materiel and money that became “hot.”

Before long, the heat became too intense for the American people and their children, who were conscripted to fight, and they called for a halt. Even so, it took many years to wind down. And when the last Americans scrambled out of Saigon, the city had already fallen to the Viet Cong and been dubbed Ho Chi Minh City.

Every U.S. war since the tragedy of Vietnam has been judged against that bruising conflict. It was even assumed for a while that Washington would never take part in a hot war again. Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein’s occupation of Kuwait in 1990, however, threatened the U.S. national interest, and President George H.W. Bush decided to take the oil-rich nation back by force.

With memories of our bloody entanglement in Vietnam still ringing in his ears,

Bush stopped the Gulf War a little way over the Iraq border.

Rather than go all-out for Baghdad and mount an occupation by U.S. forces, Bush opted for turning Hussein’s hot war into a cold one. Financial and economic sanctions, a no-fly zone, a tightly regulated oilfor-aid market and other restrictive international measures kept Hussein trapped like a house fly in double glazing.

The Gulf War may have been the last hot war the United States ever fought had it not been for the al Qaeda attacks of September 11, 2001, and the need within the George W. Bush administration to demonstrate that America would not let such ignominious attacks go unanswered.

Afghanistan was a no-brainer: Osama bin Laden trained his terrorists there and the Taliban had allowed them safe haven. In a mood of controlled rage, Americans saw little wrong with waging a hot war against the killers who were out to get them.

Iraq was different. There is no space here to relitigate the casus belli of that war in Iraq and whether Hussein’s weapons of mass destruction were real or imagined, but the upshot was that U.S. forces set out on their second simultaneous hot war. Bush soon discovered, however, what his father already knew: involving U.S. troops in a hot war in Iraq was punishing.

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Like children, elderly persons also need protection from abuse SPECIAL FEATURE

BY LEILANI S. JUNIO

“A

Part 2 of 3

MONG the reasons are discomforts in confronting the alleged perpetrator, fear that the perpetrator will retaliate to the victim, unaware of the procedures for reporting, disinclination to be involved in legal matters,” Dr. Ringor explained.

She noted that most elders who are being subjected to abuse even find out that it is difficult to complain because they are either being blackmailed to suffer more mistreatment or be placed in nursing homes.

“Some elderly leave the abuser to God’s intervention and just pray that such predicament will eventually stop whenever they suffer in silence,” she said.

She added that if everyone will get involved in confronting the issue, much can be achieved and will prolong the life expectancy of the elders by having elderly protection team or formation of a hotline where the abuse can be reported immediately.

In a case study presented by Dr. Edna Estifania A. Co, professor from the University of the Philippines-National College of Public Administration and Governance (UP-NCPAG), it was noted that some children of the elders rank highest in number in terms of perpetrating the abuse, followed by spouses and then grandchildren.

Dr. Co pointed out that in another study, it was also learned that most elders were being abused by their children while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

A grave elderly abuse case that was cited was about an old man who was tied with a dog neck chain so that he would not loiter around in the neighborhood.

One of those who bravely came out to reveal the abuse perpetrated by his own child was Cesar Estecado in San Juan who said that he was being hit by his son whenever the latter was under the influence of alcohol.

“It is very painful for me to admit it but it is true. He often hit me and even verbally abused me as a sign of lack of respect,” Estecado revealed during the Forum on Elder Abuse.

The old man said the reason why he opted to speak out was because he wanted his son to change his behavior and realize his faults.

To properly address the issue of elderly abuse in the country, the participants in the forum agreed to launch campaigns to encourage the members of both chambers of the Congress to expedite the passage of the pending bills that seek to promote their welfare and protect them from institutional, community and domestic abuse and violence.

Currently, there are some pending bills in the House of Representatives and the Senate to address the issue of elderly abuse.

Among these measures are House Bill No. 408 introduced by Rep. Susan Yap (2nd District-Tarlac) and HB 2415 by Rep. Teodorico Haresco Jr. (Lone District-Aklan) which both call for crime preventions against senior citizens and titled “Seniors Safety Act of 2013.”

Another measure, HB 2569 filed by Rep. Marisol Aragones (3rd District-Laguna) and titled “Elder Victims’ Assistance Act,” aims to establish programs and activities to aid victims of elder abuse, and provide training to health and government professionals in the assistance of such victims.

Under Section 4 of the said bill, the establishment of Elder Victim Assistance and Programs is proposed through an inter-agency task force that shall be created and mandated to implement it.

10 NEWS Anti-booze...FFROM 1 and Prohibiting All Minors, Aged 17 and Below from Buying Ordering and Serving, Selling or Drinking Beer, Liquor, Coconut Wine, Ordering or Smoking Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products from Wholesale, Retail Grocery or Convenience Stores and all other Business Establishments in the City of Davao. ’ ” Duterte stressed that the purpose of the amendment is to prohibit the minors to go to bars during night time which could endanger their lives.

“Bisag kinsa man sigurong ginikanan di gusto nga ang anak magalatagaw unya pag-uli kay hubog. So, dungag proteksyon ni sa atong kabataan,” he said.

The vice mayor said that in the proposed amendment to the ordinance they will add a certain provision penalizing the owners who will serve liquors, alcohol drinks, and Cigarettes.

“Butangan natog penalty pati ang mga owners sa bars. Atong gibutangan pa gyud og ngipon ang atoang ordinansa sa liquor og sa smoking na pati sila mo comply. Ug di nila isumbongo di nila report sa authorities pati sila ma penalize,” Duterte emphasized.

“Apil ang parents pud.

Kung mo palit siya’g beer unya ihatag niya sa iyang anak ato pud siyang i-penalize,” Duterte said.

The amendment will also require those buying alcohol and tobacco to present valid proofs of identification before they will be served.

Duterte said that the proposal is now on the committee of rules, privileges, laws and ordinances for hearing which will start on July 9. The proposed amendment was approved on first reading last June 24.

Under section 5 of the amendment, all persons are prohibited from instructing, ordering, sending on an errand or co-opting minors aged 17 and below to buy alcohol drinks and cigarettes from all wholesale and retail stores and all other business establishments in the city.

“For this purpose, all wholesale, retail, grocery or convenience stores and all other business establishments in the city are

mandated to determine the of their would be buyers by requiring them to present their identification documents that establish or indicate the person’s birth date or age such as school ID, employee’s ID, and other government issued ID such as but not limited to the following: driver’s license, voter’s ID, SSS/GSIS ID, PRC ID or Postal ID, before selling wine and other intoxicating beverages as well as cigarettes and other tobacco products,” the proposed ordinance stated.

The proposal stipulated that failure of a person to establish his age and identity as indicated in the forgoing paragraph shall be a cause for the personsin-charge, which includes the cashier, manager, or any other employee, of the establishment to refuse from selling the products to the customers.

The proposal will impose P10,000 fine or a maximum 10 days imprisonment for the first offense it depends on the discretion of the court. For second offense is P30,000 or 20 days imprisonment and P50,000 or 30 days imprisonment for third offense.

It is stipulated that children below nine years old shall be exempted for the criminal liability herein provided, while children over nine years old but under 15 years old are not also criminally liable, unless it be proved that he acted with discernment.

The proposal stated that the owner or manager of the establishment will be held liable for violations of the ordinance.

If it is a corporation, partnership or cooperative the president or general manager or any person for an in behalf of the General Manager will be responsible with the violation. Then, the owner or any person acting in his behalf will be liable if it is single proprietorship.

“In addition to the forgoing penalties, the business permit of the erring retail, grocery or convenience stores and all other business establishments shall be cancelled by the city mayor upon its commission of the third offense,” the proposal said.

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 77• WEDNESDAY, JULY 2, 2014

LGU...FFROM 2

deng magsabi na hindi sila makapghanda kasi meron silang budget,” Clama said.

Of the total P5.1 billion budget for 2014 in Davao City, P250.84 million was allocated for DRRMR. The Central 911 got an allocation of P65.99 million.

He said that Davao City

should construct permanent evacuation centers as some areas of the city are identified as prone to flooding and landslides.

As present, it uses schools and gymnasiums as temporary evacuation centers in times of disaster.

Clama said that class-

rooms and gymnasiums are not suitable as evacuation centers.

He even cited that Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS) has already constructed its permanent evacuation site.

Clama said that there has been initial talks and

meetings regarding the construction of permanent evacuation center in the city.

The city government, he said, is planning to set up the facility at Barangay Langob, Maa, Davao City. Clama said that plans are still to be finalized. [CRC]

trusts that we must, instead heal. If it’s because of the peace process, there is still a reservoir full of hope at this time,“ Dureza said.

Earlier, an official of the Eastern Mindanao Command linked the terror threat to Usman, who

is foreign-trained and affiliated to terrorist groups like Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiyah.

However, EastMinCom public information officer Capt. Alberto Caber told Edge Davao in an interview that the intelligence

unit is still validating the reports.

Caber said that this is not new anymore as this become a trend every year, specifically a month before Kadayawan and during Ramadan.

Although the security

level is on high alert, Caber said that everything is still normal and they have enough personnel to handle the situation. He said that they will maximize all their assets to ensure that Dabawenyos are secured.

the withdrawal of unobligated allotments from the implementing agencies and the declaration of such allotments and unreleased appropriations as savings before the end of the fiscal year without complying with the statu-

tory definition of savings as contained in the General Appropriations Act (GAA) the cross-border transfer of the savings of the executive to augment the appropriations of other offices outside of the executive the funding of projects,

activities, and programs that were not covered by any appropriations in the GAA The report further stated Te quoted the ruling that the court further declares void the use of non-programmed funds

despite the absence of a certification by the national treasurer that the revenue collection exceed the revenue targets for noncompliance with the conditions provided in the relevant General Appropriations Act.

DDH’s 10-storey building.

Rizalina Mitra- Pangan, one of the founding members, said hospital started with 24 doctors in different specializations. Now, it has more than 180 in-house doctors.

“In the beginning, the city of Davao was not ready for specialization and financing of hospital but when we explained [to other founders] what the

hospital will be they came to join us,” Mitra said.

She said that they envisioned DDH before as the best equipped hospital where specialists can practice and provide their expertise.

DDH has already branded itself as a hospital that is always open for innovation.

In fact, it recently inaugurated the first private hospital based Bariatric Medical

Center. It vowed to continue providing excellent medical services and quality care to its clients.

“Halos lahat ng gusto naming mangyari ay nangyari sapagkat dedicated kami sa service. The money matters is important to us but it is secondary. We rather emphasize service above self which means service to us is our obligation to a growing community

like Davao City,” the 94-year old Dr. Honorario Hilario Sr, one of the founding members said in an interview yesterday.

Other founders are Drs. Herminio Villano, Alfonso Lopez, Amador Villanueva, Pacita San Vicente, Manolo Ongchangco, Dominador and Rosas Cabrera, Luisa Dazon, Carmen Guanlao, Lusito Guanlao and Dr. Leo Sicat.

Orig said that aside from Davao City, they will also ask endorsement from the Provincial Governments of Davao del Sur and North Cotabato; Municipalities of Magpet in North Cotabato and Sta. Cruz in Davao del Sur and the City of Digos.

The endorsement was immediately referred to

the committees on energy under councilor Louie John J. Bonguyan, environment and natural resources under councilor Danilo Dayanghirang, and cultural communities and Muslim affairs under councilor Berino L. Mambo-a Sr. Earlier, Orig said that one of the proposed geothermal plants will un-

dergo exploration and development of the contract area consisting of Mt. Talomo-Tico located in municipality of Magpet, and the provinces of North Cotabato and Davao del Sur. The other contract area in “Sibulan and Kapatagan” is located in the municipality of Sta. Cruz, the cities of Davao and Digos in

the province of Davao del Sur. He said the Department of Energy (DOE) has granted AP Renewables, Inc. (APRI), an AboitizPower subsidiary, authority to explore and develop close to 20,000 hectares in two contract areas for the so-called Mt. Apo Geothermal Project.

He said the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) have deployed rolling stores to distribute commodities affected by the

price increase but there has been little change in prices.

“Medyo substantial ang ina-unload on the market pero hindi daw ganun ka-substantial ang effect sa

price,” he said.

The President said he has tasked the DA and the DTI to do phytosanitary testing on garlic recently confiscated by the Customs Bureau.

“If it passes, and in conformity with the law, we will unload all of this confiscated garlic to again ease the pressure on prices,” he said.

[PNA]

save to deny Peter Odemwingie. ‘’We’re not the prettiest or the best, but we can do good things,’’ France coach Didier Deschamps said after the game. ‘’The deliverance came late. There was a lot of tension because we were up against a very athletic side and there were a lot of challenges.’’

Nigeria, which had a goal ruled out for offside in the 19th minute after Emmanuel Emenike poked home Ahmed Musa’s cross from the left, wasted a lot

of second-half possession.

Four years ago, France crashed out of the group stage, shamed a nation by going on strike and was jeered by its own fans and lambasted by politicians in the fallout from an embarrassing tournament.

It’s very different situation now. ‘’I’m proud of my players because we’re coming back from very far. I think we’ve given a lot of pleasure back to our fans,’’ Deschamps said. ‘’I think there were 5,000 here and mil-

lions back home who will feel proud.’’

Pogba’s crucial goal came after Nigeria goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama had just made a superb save to tip over Karim Benzema’s header. But he he flapped at the ball from the ensuing corner and Pogba pounced in the 79th minute for his first World Cup goal.

That atoned for placing a volley too close to Enyeama in a scrappy first half.

Scoring such a crucial goal will boost his confi-

dence heading into the last eight game. ‘’We have four days left to prepare for another battle,’’ Deschamps said.

Yobo, who announced his international retirement after the game, turned the ball into his own net in stoppage time under pressure from France substitute Antoine Griezmann.

At the final whistle, France’s relieved players danced in front of their fans as dreams of a repeat run to the final - just like in 2006 - moved a step closer.

Dureza... FFROM 2

Zarate... FFROM 2

DDH...FFROM 3

Aboitiz...FFROM 3

High...

FFROM 3

Nerves...FFROM 16

11 COMMUNITY SENSE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 77• WEDNESDAY, JULY 2, 2014

Scholarships highlight Rotary club induction E

DUCATING the young and uplifting the status of poor children, including those belonging

to the indigenous peoples (IP) take center stage during the 76th induction of officers and directors of

Petition for Renewal of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a PUJ DUAL Ordinary Regular Service

Petition for Renewal of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a PUJ DUAL Ordinary Regular Service

JOHN ANTHONY L. LEBOSADA, Petitioner Case No. 2009-XI-00412

RAUL N. SAPLOT, Petitioner Case No. 99-XI-01409

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communications LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. XI Davao city

x- - - - - - - - -- - - -----x

NOTICE OF HEARING Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ-DUAL Ordinary Regular Service on the route: SURAYA HOMES ROUTE and for cargoes as dual service from said route to any point in Region XI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which certificate will expire on January 6, 2015. In the petition filed on June 9, 2014, petitioner request authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on JULY 14, 2014 at 09:40 a.m. at this office at the above address.

At least, TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a one (1) daily newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence.

WITNESS the Honorable BENJAMIN A. GO, CESO V, Regional Director, this 9th day of June 2014 at Davao City.

TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ Chief Transportation Developmentt Officer

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communications LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. XI Davao city

x- - - - - - - - -- - - -----x

NOTICE OF HEARING

Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ-DUAL Ordinary Regular Service on the route: ECOLAND SUBDIVISION (SM CITY OF DAVAO) ROUTE and for cargoes as dual service from said route to any point in Region XI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which certificate will expire on February 2, 2015.

In the petition filed on June 13, 2014, petitioner request authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on JULY 14, 2014 at 09:10 a.m. at this office at the above address.

At least, TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a one (1) daily newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao

Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence.

WITNESS the Honorable BENJAMIN A. GO, CESO V, Regional Director, this 13th day of June 2014 at Davao City.

TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ Chief Transportation Developmentt Officer

the Rotary Club of Davao, the first Rotary club established in Mindanao, at 6 p.m. of July 3 at Marco Polo Davao.

This was learned from Conrado “Jun” T. Hernaez Jr., incoming president of RC Davao, known among Rotarians as “mother club,” which was organized by Filipino and American professionals and businessmen in Davao City in 1938.

During Thursday evening’s affair, the club will present 18 scholarship grants to qualified indigent Grades 7 and 8 students in Makilala, North Cotabato and Bansalan, Davao del Sur. The project is jointly undertaken by RC Davao, Foundation of the Rotary Club of Davao, SAGREX Cor-

CONRADO HERNAEZ poration and the KapwaUpliftment Foundation, Inc At the same time, the club and its foundation has also committed to sponsor 10 orphans for one year under the program of World Vision. It is P6,000 a month

REMEGIO SALANATIN a peiod of one year, according to Jun Hernaez, who succeeds architect Sonny Labao, outgoing RCD president.

Newly-assumed Governor Remegio “Boy” Salanatin of Rotary International

District 3860 will be RCD’s guest of honor and speaker.

In his speech, District Gov. Boy is expected to spell out his administration’s projects and advocacies in support to the programs of the RI President.

Roaring voices culminate envi month in Maasim town

I

T takes strong will and passion to restore, rehabilitate and protect Sarangani Bay and the environment as a whole.

But for at least 120 people coming from various government and private organizations who gathered at Sarangani Energy Corporation (SEC) jetty facility on Friday, June 27 – it takes action more than passion to show deep compassion for the environment.

After all, action speaks louder than words.

Said event is Maasim’s culminating of the Environment Month celebration with this year’s theme: “Raise your Voice, Not the Sea Level.”

Highlighting the celebration is deployment of 160 Artificial Reef Domes (ARD) into Sarangani bay by volunteers coming from SEC, local governments of Sarangani province, municipality of Maasim and barangay Kamanga, Kamanga Agro-Industrial Ecozone Development Corp., Condrado and Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation Inc (CLAFI)., Philippine National Police, 72nd Infantry Battalion, 10th Infantry Division Philippine Army, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Philippine Coast Guard among others.

With its commitment to help rehabilitate and preserve Sarangani Bay, the Alcantara Group’s SEC has launched the program in 2009, forming part of their coastal protection and management interventions.

To date, more than 1,000 ARDs were already distributed into the waters of Tampuan, Looc and Mangelen.

MAASIM, SARANGANI (July 1, 2014) – Volunteers coming from various government and private organizations gathered at Sarangani Energy Corporation (SEC) jetty facility to deploy 160 Artificial Reef Domes (ARD) into Sarangani Bay as part of culminating program of Maasim’s Environment Month celebration on Friday, June 27.

“As I have observed, this multi-billion investor is much willing and committed to do their share in saving the bay,” opined Vice Mayor Uttoh Salem Cutan.

SEC’s 210 Mega Watt (MW) coal-fired power plant currently undergoing construction in Maasim, Sarangani is one of only two power plants that will be operating by 2015 to help provide a sustainable and lasting solution to the power crisis that has been plaguing Mindanao since 2010. At US$570 Million, the SEC plant is the single largest investment in the province and the entire Region 12.

CLAFI, Alcantara Group’s corporate social responsibility arm forged partnership with the country’s leading cement manufacturer Holcim Inc. last year in a bid to fabricate more domes.

As agreed, Holcim Inc. will supply 2,000 bags of cement for construction of more reef domes.

“We have been doing these years before the con-

struction of the plant even started here in Maasim. We remain committed to this day by conducting various coral reef protection and conservation efforts as a long-term plan to mitigate impacts brought about by our ongoing construction activities,” Joel Aton, SEC Human Resource and Project Assurance Head stressed out.

“This commitment is manifested in our ‘Save Sarangani Bay’ initiatives which include the deployment of ARDs, mangrove planting activities, and the release of healthy bangus fry to the bay.”

SEC, along with community partners have successfully released 1.645 million healthy bangus fry to the bay and have planted close to 35,000 mangrove seedlings with high survival rating for the past five years.

Meanwhile, DENR-12 Regional Executive Director Sultan Tungko Saikol during memorandum of agreement signing on Adopt-a-Waterways project Monday, June

30, has cited SEC’s 7,500 - hectare Watershed Protection and Development program as model of a strong private-public partnership particularly on the National Greening Program the government.

The project is set out to cultivate public and private lands with commercial agro-forestry crops like rubber, coffee, guayabano, jackfruit to name a few – giving highland farmers sustainable income.

SEC has already planted 700,000 seedlings at 1,400 hectares covering barangays Amsipit, Kablakan, Nomoh, Pananag and Lumatil –– benefiting 450 families to date.

“Partnership with the private sector is important for the success of any endeavor, any project to save the environment,” Saikol said.

Indeed, will and will alone is not enough to restore, rehabilitate and protect Sarangani Bay and the environment as a whole.

Teamwork is also pivotal.

12 CLASSIFIED

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Billiards Supply

Phone Nos.

Cell Nos.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 77• WEDNESDAY, JULY 2, 2014

INdulge!

VOL. 7 ISSUE 77• WEDNESDAY, JULY 2, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

WOMEN

Breastfeeding never goes out of style with Inamorata

Not only is Ina a devoted mom, she also extends does her share in supporting programs on breastfeeding by establishing her own line of fashionable breastfeeding covers called Inamorata.

BREASTFEEDING provides mother and babies with countless benefits, and leading medical experts recommend mothers to breastfeed their infants for at least six to twelve months. Breast milk is the perfect food for babies as it provides immunities to an infant that he would not otherwise receive. For moms, it reduces the risk of breast, ovarian and cervical cancer, and promotes emotional health and postpartum weight loss.

Nutritionists, medical practitioners, mothers and other nursing advocates can’t stress enough the importance of breastfeeding. Nowadays, there is a growing population of moms who religiously take time to nurse their babies, which even inspired a new trend in mom and child selfie’s by documenting their bundles of joy and sharing their own magical experience. “There are still some mothers who are shy about exposing themselves in public. On the other hand, there are those, like me, who takes action in challenging the incessant taboo on breastfeeding in public,” says Tatiana Jean Ina BautistaMoran, 29-year old wife and working mom of 2. Ina is very passionate when it comes to looking after the welfare of her family and their wellness is always her top priority day in and day out.

Sharing the joy of motherhood “For me, the instinct on family and baby care just sparked the moment I saw my first child. I was very young then and I didn’t know much, but it just happened. It grew in me,” explains Ina. “In a way, motherhood gave me direction. I wouldn’t have known what I wanted to do in life if I didn’t become a mother. In everything I do and decide on, I carry that maternal instinct with me and everything else just follows.”

Not only is Ina a devoted mom, she also extends does her share in supporting programs on breastfeeding by establishing her own line of fashion-

able breastfeeding covers called Inamorata.

“It all began when I started breastfeeding in public. I noticed people gave me strange glances and stared like I was supposed to hide what I was doing. At first, I felt very much like an activist about it, realizing that this so-called mentality among locals has been going on for years and might even take a couple more to gain the society’s full acceptance. As a solution, I created a breastfeeding cover that can aid moms in nursing their babies and protect them from prying eyes and discriminating stares of strangers. Initially, it was just for myself, but then I got a few compliments from others. So I started promoting it on social media and soon, I received orders and inquiries from fellow moms.”

“Breastfeeding and childbirth make a woman and mother unique. It is an expression of love,” she adds. “By using a breastfeeding cover, mothers can feed and share love whenever and wherever.

Inamorata is comfortable and easy to use as you can simply just wear it over like a poncho. It can be worn as part of your outfit, or, when not in use, as

pared to how it was at the time I had my first child.

Breastfeeding advocates have been doing a great job in spreading awareness through community lectures and special programs. As for me, I just lead by example. I do my own share by campaigning among the fellow mothers I come across with and further out to wherever the wind may take me.” a scarf, a bag accessory, a bandana, a belt or even a baby blanket. It comes it one size which fits all, with 3 prints to choose from. There’s the Sweet Inamorata for regular days, Smart to fit that classic or corporate look and Sexy for cocktails and special events.”

What makes Inamorata unique from those that are commonly sold in the market? “We use mesh to allow air to pass through and to allow baby and mommy to have a glimpse of each other. We have to keep in mind that eye contact with the baby stimulates milk flow. We use soft and light fabric which keeps mom and baby feeling secured and comfort-

able at the same time. Our covers come in trendy patterns which can enhance any look and make breastfeeding in public look as natural and fashionable as

possible.”

“I’d like to think that there has been a lot of positive change now in terms of how people perceive breastfeeding, as com-

Ina shares some tips to new moms “Breastfeed whenever and wherever your baby demands milk. Take advantage of all the available information and support you can get in the community, and don’t exclude dad from the whole experience. Keep in mind that there are things that may look difficult at first before they become easy. Don’t listen to people who just make breastfeeding sound complicated because it never is, never was, will never be.”

To order Inamorata breastfeeding covers, contact 0917 803 1425 on either Viber or iMessage. You may also send a direct message to @inanijaviatjaco on Instagram.

A2 INdulge!

UP AND ABOUT

ASUS Phl to launch Zenfone on July 17 ASUS announces the local launch of Zenfone Series and Padfone Mini in the Philippines on July 17, 2014. Consumers can start to purchase Zenfone 4,5 and 6 from Lazada on July 17, 7pm. Authorized ASUS resellers will carry the smartphones including the Padfone Mini on the week following the launch. The arrival of Zenfones in Philippines marks a significant milestone for ASUS following Zenfone’s success in Taiwan, China and the rest of South East Asia.

Filipinos will enjoy true value for money as the ASUS Zenfones offer great performance at an incredible price.

Among the premier features is PixelMaster, a camera technology that is an essential part of the Zenfone experience. The exclusive PixelMaster camera technology makes it effortless to capture memorable photos and videos even in low lighting conditions.

ASUS announces the local launch of Zenfone Series and Padfone Mini in the Philippines on July 17, 2014.

Consumers can start to purchase Zenfone 4,5 and 6 from Lazada on July 17, 7pm. Authorized ASUS resellers will carry the smartphones including the Padfone Mini on the week following the launch. The arrival of Zenfones in Philippines marks a significant milestone for ASUS following Zenfone’s success in Taiwan, China and the rest of South East Asia.

Filipinos will enjoy true value for money as the ASUS Zenfones offer great performance at an incredible price.

Among the premier features is PixelMaster, a camera technology that is an essential part of the Zenfone experience.

The exclusive PixelMaster camera technology makes it effortless to capture memorable photos and videos even in low lighting conditions.

TGI Fridays launches new social media sites TGI Fridays announces its new social media accounts. Fridays’ fans can now keep in touch with us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TGIFridaysPhilippines. One can now share, tag, and keep in touch with what the latest TGI Fridays’ has in store.

For those on Instagram and Twitter, TGI Fridays can be reached a @tgifridaysph. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #tgifridaysph to share anything about TGI Fridays.

TGI Fridays is located at the ground floor of the Abreeza Mall.

BABY COMPANY BABY SALE IS ON! Baby Company Baby Sale is back!

Get up to 50% discount from your favorite baby brands. And if you’re a Mom Card member, get a Free Funbrella for a minimum singlereceipt purchase worth P3,000. Visit any Baby Company store and enjoy shopping for your little one. Per DTI NCR Permit Number 5871 Series of 2014

VOL. 7 ISSUE 77• WEDNESDAY, JULY 2, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

EVENT

Kiddie Art Workshop with Solenn Heussaff

SUNDAY ALL-STARS mainstay and Taste Buddies host Solenn Heussaff brought color to the lives of children ages 5-10 years old from Barangay Daang Tubo, Quezon City at the GMA G.I.V.E.S. Salu-Salo Together held at the GMA Network Center on June 25.

GMA G.I.V.E.S. (Guide, Interact, Volunteer, Educate, Serve) is the employee-volunteer group of GMA Network ; the Salu-Salo Together is the quarterly bonding activity of the GMA GIVES where they get together and learn new things (such as photo journalism using the cell phone or how to start saving for retirement) or conduct simple outreach activities.

Artistry and creativity was the theme of the second quarter Salu-Salo Together as Solenn taught 64 children how to paint on canvas using acrylic paint and oil pastel. She was assisted by the GMA G.I.V.E.S. members, who also donated the materials used by the children for the activity.

Solenn was eager to impart the knowledge that she gained throughout her years of dabbling in the arts. “I love painting din so it’s nice to share what you know to others,” she expressed.

Her passion for painting started when she was just 3 years old but she never had any formal lessons. Over the years, she has painted a variety of subjects ranging from landscapes to abstracts and murals.

The kids were very excited to learn from their favourite Kapuso star.

They were focused on

Solenn Heussaff and GMA AVP for Corporate Affairs Teresa L. Pacis with the winners of the art workshop, (left to right) Joshua, age 10, 2nd place, Peter John, 9, 1st place, and Angel, age 5, in 3rd place.

Children from Barangay Daang Tubo, an adopted community of GMA, eagerly listened to Solenn during the art workshop.

Solenn displayed some paintings she did when she was 7 to 8 years old. their individual canvases and tried to apply all the techniques Solenn taught them to their works of art that day. Solenn also showed them the paintings she did when she was around 7 or 8 years old.

“It teaches them to be quiet din. Kasi diba yung ibang mga bata, makulit,” Solenn shared. “But if you

see them, once nasa harap sila ng painting nila, super quiet sila, super focused.”

The art worskhop was just the right timing as Solenn is preparing for her very first show.

At the end of the art workshop, prizes were given out to three young artists whose works scored the highest number of votes among the mem-

Solenn with the kids of Barangay Daang Tubo, Quezon City after the art workshop.

bers of GMA G.I.V.E.S. A striking development was that Angel, a five year old, won third place. Ten year old Joshua placed second while the day’s big winner was nine year old Peter John. The children were also able to take home the materials they used so that they can continue exploring the world of art.

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

VOL. 7 ISSUE 77• WEDNESDAY, JULY 2, 2014

ENTERTAINMENT

Lifestyle Network shows what living is all about this July BEING the guide for showcasing life’s delightful possibilities, the Lifestyle Network is kicking things up a notch entering the second half of the year as it shows what living is all about through brand new programs that are set to premiere this July.

Hitting screens for the month are shows that showcase what the Lifestyle Network is all about. July brings shows about well-being, food, competition, travel, beauty, and entertainment; with special doses of must see movies, mini-series, and marathons.

First on the list is the latest mouth-watering drama-musical series “The Boston: The Kitchen Musical”. The show is set in one of America’s historic cities, and it looks into the lives of three young chefs as they re-launch their restaurant business while overcoming obstacles to follow their own creative visions. “The Boston: The Kitchen Musical” features both local and international talents and it premieres on July 2 at 10:00pm. “The Boston: The Kitchen Musical” airs on Wednesdays at 10:00pm, Fridays at 1:00pm, Saturdays at 3:00pm, and Sundays at 5:30pm.

Also premiering during the first week of July is the culinary smash hit “Masterchef,” which enters its 5th season. Catch host and award-winning chef Gordon Ramsay with restaurateur Joe Bastianich and acclaimed chef Graham Elliot in the 5th season of “Masterchef,” which premieres on July 5 at 9:30am, with back-to-back episodes every week. It airs on Saturdays at 9:30am and Fridays at 10:30pm. Gordon Ramsay also has another new show on the way this July, “Gordon Ramsay’s Ultimate Home Cooking,” which premieres on July 8 at 9:00am and airs every Tuesday at 9:00am and 6:30pm, and every Saturday at 4:00pm.

Two new fitness shows are also hitting the air this July. The Lifestyle Network brings you “Bollywood,” a dance workout with health and fitness expert Hemalayaa Behl, and “Yoga for Life,” where yogi Kurt Johnson turns the ancient practice of yoga into a good-for-you

kind of fun. “Bollyblast” premieres on July 6. It airs on Saturdays and Sundays at 7:00am and on weekdays at 3:00pm. “Yoga for Life” premieres on July 6 as well at 7:30am. It airs on Saturdays and Sundays at 7:30am and on weekdays at 3:30pm.

Lifestyle Network is also giving viewers the chance to meet the women who make Miami, Florida home; as well as the six princesses of Long Island. In “Real Housewives of Miami,” get to know the homemakers, businesswomen, and philanthropists as the show premieres on July 6 at 8:30pm, and airs on Sundays at 8:30pm and on Mondays at 12:30pm. In “Princesses: Long Island,” follow the six girls of Great Neck, New York as they return to their lives of luxury.

It premieres on July 6 at 9:30pm, and airs on Sundays at 9:30pm, Mondays at 1:30pm, and Saturdays at 9:30am.

Travel has also been a big thing this 2014. As such, the

Lifestyle Network is bringing its viewers to two of the most interesting places in the world. In “Flavours of Peru,” host Charlie Ottley sets out to see if Peru’s cuisine can match its stunning landscape. Catch him as he marvels at the diversity of Peru’s natural wonders and amazing structures as the show premieres on July 8 at 9:00pm, with a regular airing schedule on Tuesdays at 9:00pm, Wednesdays at 12:30pm, and Saturdays at 5:00pm. “Flavours of Peru” is accompanied by “This is Brazil,” in which Brazilianborn Australian Fernanda de Paulo heads home to rediscover her roots and celebrate Brazil’s rich cultural diversity with the country’s chefs, footballers, musicians, artists, and everyday workers. “This is Brazil” premieres on July 7 at 9:00pm and airs weekly on Fridays at 9:00pm and on Saturdays at 12:30pm.

Lifestyle Network is also bringing you “Tom Daley

Goes Global” this month, where everyone’s favorite Olympic diver takes viewers, along with his best mate Sophie, all around the world—taking in six different countries over six weeks.

“Tom Daley Goes Global” premieres on July 18 at 9:00pm and airs on Fridays at 9:00pm and Saturdays at 12:30pm.

Another thing premiering this July is a 5-minute series of interstitials that takes us to Portia’s charming and exciting life as a restaurateur and hostess. Catch “A Pinch of Portia,” set in Portia’s rustic country garden in Marikina, as it premieres on July 14 at 8:30pm and airs on Mondays at 8:30pm, Tuesdays at 11:30am, Thursdays at 6:00pm, Fridays at 9:00am, and Sundays at 11:00am.

Last but not the least, Lifestyle Network presents its movie for the month, “The Time in Between,” where the daughter of a working class single mother learns the trade of being a seamstress from a very young age. Her passion for the wrong man drives her to foolishly embark upon a journey to Morocco, and in order to survive, she has no choice but to get ahead doing the only thing she knows how to do—sew. Based on the novel “El Tiempo Entre Costuras” by Maria Dueñas, “The Time in Between” premieres on July 12 at 10:00pm and shows on Saturdays at 10:00pm, Sundays at 2:30pm, and Wednesdays at 11:00pm.

Tune in to the Lifestyle Network this July and keep your mind and your sights focused on the best parts of life through the channel’s new line-up of programs. For updates and schedules, visit the Lifestyle Network’s official Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ LifestyleNetwork).

DELIVER US FROM EVIL 2D Eric Bana, Edgar Ramirez R 13

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

CHEF 2D Scarlett Johansson, Dustin Hoffman, Robert Downey, Jr. R 13

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

THE ROVER 2D Guy Pearce, Robert Pattinson R 16

12:00 | 2:00 | 4:00 | 6:00 | 8:00 | 10:00 LFS

R-16 TRANSFORMERS 4: AGE OF EXTINCTION 3D Mark Wahlberg GP

12:00 | 3:20 | 6:40 | 10:00 LFS

A4 INdulge!

VOL. 7 ISSUE 77• WEDNESDAY, JULY 2, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

EVENT

CHEVROLET DAVAO last June 28 held an exclusive screening of Transformers: Age of Extinction at the Cinema 5 of SM Lanang Premier.

Invited for the big screen event were Chevrolet Davao’s VIPS, associates, as well as friends from the press who were all smiles and excited to catch the fourth iteration of the vastly popular movie franchise.

Given that the Transformers movie is already one of the year’s most anticipated movies, I believe it was also thanks to the many flashy cars that turn into fighting robots that made every motor head’s day at the cinema.

Exotic cars such as Lamborginis, Pagani’s, Bugattis, and Rolls Royce cars abound but the cars that took centre stage were those from Chevrolet such as the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray which transforms into the mean, green Autobot Crosshai.

Not to be left out is the franchise’s most popular and recognisable character Bumblebee who initially takes on the guise of the 1967 Chevrolet Camaro SS which he drops later in the movie to take on the looks of the latest Camaro concept car.

Dabawenyos also saw the Chevrolet Sonic rally

car in action, although not a Transformer, the Sonic stood its own during the movie’s explosive car chase scene which literally left the audience out of breath and raring for more action.

The exclusive Chevrolet Transformers: Age of Extinction screening is sponsored by AB&T Resources, Inc., Davao’s local Chevrolet dealer with its all-new showroom located at Km7, J.P. Laurel Avenue, Lanang. AB&T Resources, Inc., will also be expanding to General Santos City with the opening of their showroom at General Santos City.

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

The 2014 Chevorlet Sonic hatchback.

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

Chevorlet Sonic rally car.

CLASSIFIED 13

VOL. 7 ISSUE 77• WEDNESDAY, JULY 2, 2014

EDGE

-

Serving a seamless society

DAVAO

WANTS YOU!

Account Executives (3)

Male / Female, not more than 30 years old Candidate must posses a Bachelor/ College Degree in any Business field.

Willing to work under pressure, flexible, persuasive, can speak fluently and computer literate A team player With Basic Salary, Transportation, Communication, allowance + Commission

For interested applicants, you may send your resume to: HR Department EDGEDavao

Doors 13 & 14 Alcrej B;dg., Quirino Ave., Davao City Tel. No. (082) 221-3601 Email: edgedavao@gmail.com

14 SPORTS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 77• WEDNESDAY, JULY 2, 2014

ABAP 11 suspends DavNor club, officials

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

A

njb@edgedavao.net

MATAUER Boxing Association of the Philippines (ABAP) Region 11 has meted a one year suspension on the San Isidro, Davao del Norte boxing club in the aftermath of the death of amateur boxer Junrey Amar last May. ABAP 11 regional director Gene Rose Tecson told Edge Davao yesterday that she has handed down the decision to suspend the club for failure to seek sanction from the regional ABAP office and for its lapses in the conduct of the town fiesta’s boxing tournament which resulted to the death of the 14-year old boxer.

Also suspended indefinitely were the referees and jurors in the boxing match.

Junrey Amar died of apparent head injuries af-

ter hitting the canvas following the fight in remote Sawata village. The boy collapsed and fell unconscious in the second round of a scheduled three-round fight. He was already declared “outclassed” by the ring physician and unfit to continue but to the surprise of the tournament doctor, he was allowed to continue fighting by the referee upon the prodding of Amar’s father who wanted his son to win.

Amar was taken to Kapalong District Hospital, where he was declared dead.

Tecson found reasonable grounds to suspend the organizers for their apparent mishandling of the fight.

“Suspended na ang San Isidro for one year and the referee and jurors are

likewise suspended indefinitely,” Tecson said. “I laid down the decision one week after the report from the ABAP Davao del Norte was sent to me.”

Tecson stressed that her office did not sanction the tournament after organizers failed to seek permission from the ABAP 11 which is a requisite for amateur boxing tournaments.

Last December, Jonas Garcia, a fourth-year high school student from Bulacan province, died after falling ill during the second round of a boxing bout at the Central Luzon Regional Athletic Association meet in Zambales province.

This prompted Education Secretary Armin Luistro to ban boxing in the elementary division of the recently concluded Palarong Pambansa.

to Digos. Schoolboys lang ang panglalaki and panay baguhan an gamin. Don’t want to take chances,” Tecson told Edge Davao.

However, Tecson discovered that the tournament also has junior and youth divisions. “Sa invitation naming sa weight categories and entry forms, walang junior and youth boys. Sa ibang invitations pala meron.

Pressed if she believes there was apparent intent to exclude the team, Tecson said, “Sila dapat tanungin. I don’t want to think na. Bahala na sila but I kept naman the e-mail.”

Tecson also lamented the apparent inaction of the ABAP national camp for failing to act on her rec-

ommendations regarding the tragic death of 14-year old Junrey Amar who died in a boxing tournament in San Isidro town in Davao del Norte.

“Wala rin silang response,” said a bewildered Tecson. “I don’t know what’s going on in ABAP anymore.”

Panabo City has established its reputation in the amateur ranks as one of the country’s powerhouse squads having produced the likes of Rey and Vic Saludar, Charly Suarez and recently, Olympian Mark Barriga.

Panabo City-Barangay Una is a branchild of former Davao del Norte congressman Tonyboy Floirendo.

Is Panabo a victim of ABAP manipulation?

Eugenie Bouchard of Canada in action against Alize Cornet of France during their women’s singles tennis match at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships, in London on Tuesday (PHL Time). REUTERS/Toby Melville

TENNIS PRINCESS

Princess Genie aiming for Wimby coronation L

ONDON (Reuters) Named after a British princess and tipped

by John McEnroe as a Wimbledon queen-in-waiting, there are not many things that intimidate Eugenie Bouchard.

That was certainly the

case on Monday as the Canadian 20-year-old made her debut outing this year on Wimbledon’s famed Centre Court in front of members of the British royal family and lapped up the adulation of the crowd as it rose to salute her 7-6(5) 7-5

win over Serena Williams’s conqueror Alize Cornet.

“You can ask my coach or my parents or anyone that I can be a princess,” a grinning Bouchard, the first Canadian to reach the Wimbledon quarter-finals, told reporters.

Last week, it was revealed that basketball superstars Blake Griffin, Damian Lillard, Paul Pierce and DeMar DeRozan would join in the all-star charity event.

The Philippine national men’s basketball team will also participate in the event as part of their preparations for the FIBA World Cup in Spain in August.

“This is a fitting sendoff for Gilas as they defend the Philippine flag at the 2014 FIBA World Cup. This

is our grand comeback to the world stage, so having a special pick-up game with a powerhouse cast of players will definitely rally the spirits of Filipinos and inspire the boys to play harder,” Reyes said.

“It is important for PLDT HOME to be represented in the world of sports as it continues to resonate with parallelisms to real life,” said PLDT executive vice president and head of Home Business Ariel P. Fermin.

P

OWERHOUSE Panabo City-Barangay Una boxing team was apparently a victim of an intentional ploy to exclude the team from the recent Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (ABAP) National Boxing Championships in Digos City, Davao del Sur. Gene Rose Tecson, ABAP regional 11 director and team manager of Panabo City-Barangay Una, revealed that they did not participate in the recent national tournament because the team does not have boxers in the schoolboys division at the moment. Tecson said the invitation sent to Team Panabo included only the schoolboys division.

“We didn’t send a team

Finals MVP Leonard coming to play Gilas

M

ORE US basketball stars will be headlining PLDT’s all-star charity game “The Last HOME Stand” in July in Manila with Kawhi Leonard and Kyle Lowry also joining the event.

Apart from Leonard and Lowry, rookie Nick Johnson will also be part of the event.

PLDT chairman Manny V. Pangilinan and Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes announced the news on Twitter Tuesday morning.

Smart Infinity TriTeam, the all-employee triathlon team of wireless services leader Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), conquered the grueling Tabuelan 111K race held recently in Cebu. Employees Vangie Janea, Ben Silva, Neil Godinez, Jan Blando, Pompo Arroyo, Mark Sanchez, and Javy Olives finished the Tabuelan full distance comprising of a 2-kilometer swim, 88 km bike ride, and 21 km run. Meanwhile, Warren Tagud and Leopoldo Mojal completed the half distance (1 km swim, 44 km bike ride, 10.5 km run). The Smart Infinity TriTeam is among the most competitive employee triathlon teams in the country. It is one of the 22 employee groups at Smart that encourage the workforce to “Live More.”

SPORTS 15

VOL. 7 ISSUE 77• WEDNESDAY, JULY 2, 2014

INTENSE. Germany’s Per Mertesacker (L) and Shkodran Mustafi (2nd L) jump for the ball with Algeria’s El Arabi Soudani (R) during their 2014 World Cup round of 16. The Germans won in extra time 2-1.

NBA: The top 10 free agents Germany survives Algeria in extra time

L

EBRON James highlights the 2014 NBA free-agent class. Well, sort of.

James is widely expected to re-sign a long-term contract with the Heat after opting out of the final two years of his deal last week. One NBA team executive told Yahoo Sports that New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony is actually widely viewed as the top true free agent of this class.

“LeBron James is not really a free agent,” the executive told Yahoo Sports.

“He is going right back to Miami. Everybody believes that. The top five free agents of this class are strong and then it gets pretty even. LeBron and Carmelo are the head of the class and Dirk [Nowitzki] has two really good years left in him. Overall, I think it’s a really strong free-agent class from a versatility standpoint and what they are able to do.

“Dwyane Wade’s legs are almost gone. Pau Gasol needs a change of scenery, but is still a really good player. Chandler Parsons is up-and-coming and really impressive. Lance Stephenson is obviously super talented and a dynamic player, but can you handle all the other stuff [with him]?”

The NBA’s free-agent market opens at 12:01 a.m.

ET Tuesday. Here’s a look at the top players who will be available: 1. LeBron James, Miami Heat, SF, 29, UFA: James

could go wherever he wants – and he won’t lack for suitors, including the Houston Rockets and Phoenix Suns.

But the four-time MVP is expected to stay in Miami after four straight trips to the NBA Finals.

2. Carmelo Anthony, New York Knicks, SF, 30, UFA: Anthony has no frontrunner among the teams interested in signing him.

While the Knicks are still in the mix, he is expected to visit Dallas, Houston, Chicago and the Lakers, a source said.

3. Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks, PF, 36, UFA: Nowitzki said last week he will not leave the Mavs and will meet with owner Mark Cuban to come to a new contract agreement.

4. Chris Bosh, Miami Heat, PF-C, 30, UFA: Bosh has said several times that he wants to re-sign with Miami. He seems to enjoy his role in the shadow of James and Wade.

Pau Gasol could be an attractive addition for a contender if he leaves the Lakers. (USA Today) 5. Pau Gasol, Los Angeles Lakers, PF-C, 34, UFA: Gasol will likely be more interested in returning to the Lakers with coach Mike D’Antoni gone. Phil Jackson’s Knicks could also make a run at him.

6. Greg Monroe, Detroit Pistons, PF-C, 24, RFA: Monroe is too talented and young for the Pistons to let go. Monroe’s hometown New Orleans Pelicans and the Lakers might pursue him.

P

ORTO ALEGRE, Brazil (AP) — When it comes to the knockout stages of the World Cup, wins are worth more than style.

That was on full display Monday when Germany labored to a 2-1 extra-time win over an aggressive Algeria side to reach the tournament’s quarterfinals for the ninth consecutive time.

“You don’t have to play fantastic every match,” Germany coach Joachim Loew said. “You have to win.”

All three goals came in extra time after Algeria dominated for long stretches during the opening 90 minutes. Germany substitute Andre Schuerrle scored in the 92nd minute and Mesut Ozil made it 2-0 in the 120th before substitute Abdelmoumene Djabou pulled one back in injury time for Algeria.

Three-time champion Germany will next face 1998 winner France on Friday at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.

“It was a victory of will

power,” Loew said. “We had major problems in the first half to organize the way we played. We made simple mistakes, which invited the opponents to start counterattacks.”

Germany finally took the lead when Thomas Mueller provided a cross from the left flank that was slightly behind Schuerrle. The Germany forward dragged his left leg and backheeled the ball into the far corner, leaving goalkeeper Rais M’Bolhi with no chance.

With the temperature a chilly 14 degrees Celsius (57 degrees Fahrenheit) and a light rain falling at times, the pace was high at the Estadio Beira-Rio but the goals didn’t come until the end.

“Yes, we had our problems but at the end we were better and had a lot of chances,” Loew said.

“The important thing is to advance. ... Past champions also did not play well every match. You cannot play fantastic every match of the tournament.”

CLASH. Nigeria’s Ahmed Musa, left, and France’s Mathieu Debuchy fight for the ball during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between France and Nigeria. France won 2-0 to advance to the Final 8.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. VOL.77ISSUE ISSUE77• 77•WEDNESDAY, WEDNESDAY,JULY JULY2,2,2014 2014

TO THE NEXT ROUND. France advanced to the Round of 8 after beating Nigeria 2-0.

NERVES OF STEEL B

RASILIA, Brazil (AP) -- After being touted as one of the World Cup’s entertainers, it was a gritty performance which got France through to the

France moves to QF after ousting Nigeria 2-0 quarterfinals in a 2-0 victory over Nigeria on Monday.

France’s forward line had made headlines with eight goals in its open-

ing two group games, but there was little flair on display in a hard-fought contest against the African champions.

France needed a late

header from midfielder Paul Pogba and an injury-time own goal from defender Joseph Yobo to overcome a robust Nigeria.

The reward is a quar-

terfinal against Germany on Friday at Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana stadium, following the Germans’ 2-1 victory over Algeria.

Pogba’s goal in the

79th minute followed Nigeria’s best spell of the match and came soon after France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris had made a crucial

FNERVES, 10