Edge Davao 7 Issue 84

VOL. 7 ISSUE 84• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JULY 11-12, 2014

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

TAKE-OFF AREAS. The stilt village in Isla Verde and other shoreline communities in Davao City are among the areas that are closely monitored and patrolled by the authorities after reports that the coastlines can be used by terrorists as take-off points in advancing to the city. Lean Daval Jr.

FAKE FIRE INSPECTORS BFP warns of firemen peddling fire extinguishers

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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abf@edgedavao.net

ERE’S one warning to business establishment owners: Beware of fake fire inspectors peddling fire extinguishers to fast track approval of business permits.

The Davao City Fire District has urged businessmen to file complaint against their alleged inspectors who will urge the business owners to buy fire extinguishers in exchange for approval of permits.

Davao City Fire District

marshal Fire Chief Inspector Carlos T. Dueñas admitted there are personnel from the said office who pose as inspectors and require fire extinguishers from business establishments. The next ploy of the

FFAKE, 10

UNIVERSITY FAIR. Japanese Consul General Koichi Ibara (2nd from right), Malaysian Consul General Abdullah Zawawi Tahir (2nd from left), SM City Davao mall manager Lynette Lopez (leftmost) and assistant mall manager Nick Santos lead the cutting of ribbon to mark the opening of the threeday SM University Fair 2014 at the Annex of SM City Davao yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

INSIDE:

Taxes still imposed on real...

Number of buildings surges DON’T CRY, IT’S ARGENTINA

2 3 16

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EDGEDAVAO

THE BIG NEWS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 84• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JULY 11-12, 2014

FOR EDUCATIONAL FUTURE. Fourth year high school students from various schools in Davao City attend the first day of the three-day SM University Fair 2014 at the Annex of SM City Davao yesterday which aims to help graduating students from secondary level to make better decisions about the best option for their educational future. This year’s event is participated by 13 colleges and universities from all-over the country. Lean Daval Jr.

Taxes still imposed on real Remove all vendors properties donated to city D

RODY TO TF DAVAO: AVAO City Rodrigo R. Duterte ordered Task Force Davao to remove all vendors in its Lasang and Binugao detachments.

“I’m asking the vendors to go out forthwith immediately, ASAP para walang gulo,” Duterte told reporters late Wednesday after a speaking engagement in the national convention of Philippine Association of Court Association at the SMX Convention Center.

Duterte said vendors should be prohibited in these areas for security

reasons.

“Ayaw ko na andyan sila kasi baka madamay sila? Checkpoint yan military,” Duterte emphasized.

Duterte said the vendors only add up to the worries of the military.

“The problem is you congregate so many people there not passengers, pareha na didto sa labas ng (Sasa) Wharf dun iniwan yung (bomba),” he said adding that the military could not inspect the vendors since they are not passengers.

Duterte made the or-

FREMOVE, 10

By VANNAH S. ANG

T

vsa@edgedavao.net

HEY give land to the local government yet they are still being asked to pay taxes on the donated properties.

This sentiment of real property donors was raised by city councilor Tomas Monteverde IV, chairperson of the city council committee on rules, privileges, laws and ordinances during the regular “Pulong-pulong ni Pulong” press gathering last Tuesday.

The culprit? Ownership titles are still in the name of the property owners.

Monteverde said that Local Government Code of 1991, donations should be accepted by the chief executive. Unfortunately, the local government has been remised in facilitating the ownership tile.

“Some donors shared their complaints during committee hearings,” he said.

The property owners

donated to the local government their lands utilized as roads, educational site and baranggay facilities.

With the failure to transfer the titles, the donors experienced difficulty in applying for the renewal of business permits as it would appear on record that they failed to pay the real property tax.

According to Monteverde, a baranggay in Agdao district built its barang-

gay hall and covered court on a donated real property but the city government is still collecting taxes from the property donor.

To address the problem, Monteverde has authored a draft resolution entitled the “Proposed Ordinance prescribing the rules and regulations on the donations made involving real properties in favor of the City Government of Davao by directing the

posed amendment is really useful that could help to prevent the minors to purchase alcohol drinks and liquor.

“I will approve it as long as not mandatory,” Duterte stressed.

The mayor said that the city council should not make the provision mandatory because it could run counter against constitutional provisions.

“Hindi mo mapilit ang tao na magkuha ng ID. Only those

who want it,” he said.

Councilor Tomas J. Monteverde IV, author of the ordinance, told Edge Davao in an interview that there was no significant resistance raised from the different sectors of the city.

“I am happy to say that there is no credible resistance ni ani,” Monteverde said.

Monteverde said vice Mayor Paolo Z. Duterte told

FTAXES, 10

Only four of every 10 Rody urges Council to call public fire victims relocated hearing on anti-vice amendments

By CHENEEN R. CAPON AND MARLA ARREZA ADDU STUDENT TRAINEE

T

HREE months after the April 4 fire incident, only 40 percent of the more than1, 860 families displaced after the devastating fire incident in Isla Verde are resettled back to their former residential areas.

“Most of the affected residents are still temporary housed in evacuation centers at the gymnasiums at barangays Aquino, Duterte, 37-C, 5-A, and Mini Forrest. Some of them are renting their own place somewhere in the city,”

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

said city information officer Leomides Villareal.

In an interview last Monday, Villareal said that issues surrounding the reconstruction of the area and the clash of beliefs among the affected residents have delayed the resettlement process.

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte has ordered that construction of roads should be done first before the resettlement can be made. Also, sanitation, drain-

FONLY, 10

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AVAO City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte asked the city council to call a public hearing attended by representatives of the religious and education sectors on the proposed amendments on anti-vice ordinance.

“Mag touch base muna sila sa pari pati yung eskwelahan… maybe to give the encouragement to have their IDs for all purposes,” Duterte told reporters late Wednesday.

Duterte said the public hearing will help legislators in the ordinance’s proposed amendments specifically on the requirement of valid IDs to buyers of liquor and cigarettes suspected to be minors. Under the proposed amendments, establishments and vendors are not allowed to sell liquor and cigarettes to minors.

Duterte said that the mechanism of presenting any identification card in the pro-

FRODY, 10

NEWS 3

VOL. 7 ISSUE 84• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JULY 11-12, 2014

Number of buildings surges

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

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crc@edgedavao.net

AVAO City continues to experience rapid growth in property development with the increase in the number of building permits issued to developers of residential, commercial, institutional and industrial infrastructures on the first half of the year.

Records obtained from the Davao City Building Office (CBO) showed that 4,041 building permits were issued from January to June this year which is higher as compared to 3,144 recorded during the same period last year.

The issued permits for the first two quarters of the year is already 57 percent of the 7,048

total building permits issued for the entire 2013.

Of the total, 266 of the approved permits were issued for commercial infrastructures from January to April with a combined value of more than P1-billion.

Among the significant infrastructure development in the city are the on-going construction of Therma South Inc. of the Aboitiz Power Company, Gaisano Mall in Tibungco and other residential developments like high-rise condominiums and high-end subdivisions.

“The number of issued building permits have been increasing in past years,” Engr.

Cirinia Grace L. Catubig, head of the CEO’s Processing and Evaluation Division said.

Catubig said the administration of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte is attracting more investors who poured in huge amount in real estate development projects.

“More and more investors are coming in because they trust the [city] government.

They cannot just put in billions of investment if they don’t trust enough the government,” Catubig added.

He added that the stability of peace and order give investors the confidence to venture into the city.

the DTI 11 held a consumer forum on “Strategizing Responses to Global Challenges” last July 10 at the Lispher Inn. The forum’s guest speakers taught consumers from all over the region the issues and importance of ensuring the sustainability of resources with efficient food, energy, water, and waste (FEWW) management to aid the devel-

opment of the economy and environment.

They emphasized the “life cycle” perspective in consumer decision-making and supported the purchase of local, organic and ethical products.

According to Robert W. Barlis, chief of DTI 11 consumer welfare and trade regulation office, said there is a

tance Center (JAC) housed to facilitate their claims and prepare their documents.

Cabarde said that the claimants should fill-out an application form and attach any proof or evidences to prove

that they were really a victim of Martial Law. He said that the evidences that are going to attach in the form are a copy of warrant of arrest where they were arrest-

FNUMBER, 10

DTI 11 pushes for sustainable, healthy lifestyle of consumers

By VANNAH S. ANG

REHABILITATION. Workers from the General Services Office clean up Osmeña Park yesterday as part of the city government of Davao’s effort to rehabilitate and beautify the area. Lean Daval Jr.

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vsa@edgedavao.net

HE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 11 has intensified its Consumer Action for Sustainable and Healthy Lifestyle (CASH-L) campaign to help address problems stemming from the worsening climate change, global food and oil crisis and sky-rocketing prices of consumer goods.

To re-promote CASH-L,

FDTI, 10

More job opportunities Martial Law human rights victims sought for many PWDs urged to apply for reparation claims

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

crc@edgedavao.net

S

UPPORT groups for persons with disability (PWD) appealed to the local government of Davao City and the Department of Labor and Employment to check the compliance of public and private offices with the provisions of Republic Act 10524, an Act Expanding the Positions Reserved for Persons with Disability.

The Project SELP (Support the Employment and Livelihood of Persons with Disability) of Bigay Buhay Multipurpose Cooperative (BBMC) has found out that of more than 2,000 registered PWDs in Davao City, only 200 or 10 percent are employed both in the public and private sectors.

“Kokonti lang regular dahil karamihan sa kanila ay job order o contractual kadalasan,” said project coordinator Ester Payumo.

Payumo said that there is a pool of talents from PWDs that is still untapped by private companies and government offices. She said that some PWDs can work in the ICT and service industry.

“We have PWDs who worked as an encoder. Kahit simpleng pagbukas ng pinto at pag greet sa tao kaya naman nila,” Febe Lybai Matthews, president of Davao Autism Intervention Center Foundation

Inc., said.

“Kung may naghihire man dito sa Davao City na mga private companies, kokonti lang.

Hindi 100 percent kasi kadalasan hindi nila alam na may batas na dito o kaya hindi lang talaga nila pinapansin,” Payumo said.

In a phone call survey conducted by BBMC, it found out that of the 100 companies, 90 percent don’t or will not hire PWDs, 5 percent will consider hiring but on a contractual basis and remaining 5 percent will consider outsourcing but not on a regular basis.

Under RA 10524, it says that “at least one percent of all positions in all government agencies, offices or corporations shall be reserved for PWDs. It adds that private corporations with more than 100 employees are encouraged to reserve at least one percent of all positions for PWDs. Because of the high unemployment rate among PWDs, Payumo said most of them are in “extreme poverty.”

She said that there are many PWDs who live in farflung areas of the city, unrecorded by both local and national agencies.

“Pag humihingi kami ng data kung san-san lang kami

T

abf@edgedavao.net

HE Ateneo Public Interest and Legal Advocacy of Ateneo de Davao University (APILA-ADDU) urged qualified human rights victims during the Martial Law in the region to get their claims on

August 4-6.

Lawyer Romeo Cabarde , director of APILA told reporters in yesterday’s “I Speak media forum” that claimants should go to ADDU legal aid office where the Justice Assis-

FMARTIAL LAW, 10

EQUANIMITY. Despite the scorching afternoon heat, this man patiently pedals his mountain bike along E. Quirino Avenue in Davao City just to bring his wife

FMORE, 10 to school yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

4 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 84• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JULY 11-12, 2014

GENERAL SANTOS CITY

Tuna players gear for 16th national gab T

UNA industry players in General Santos City have started preparations for the holding of the annual National Tuna Congress, considered as the biggest industry-related gathering in the country.

Joaquin Lu, president of the Socsksargen Federation of Fishing and Allied Industries Inc. (SFFAII), said this year’s event particularly aims to bring the Philippine tuna industry to greater heights.

Now on its 16th year, the annual tuna conference seeks to improve the competitiveness and sustainability of the country’s tuna industry.

Other topics lined up for discussion in the 16th National Tuna Congress with a bearing on the BIMP EAGA are the development in Indonesia’s tuna industry and the impact of ASEAN Integration to Asian tuna trade.

Lu noted that international markets continue to influence each other and with the supply chain growing increasingly international in scope, there is a need for local players to align to the different standards emerging in the global tuna market.

“Today’s global [tuna industry] climate brings

TAGUM CITY

both challenges and opportunities, and in the face of both, we must continue and strengthened our resolve for a more and competitive Philippine tuna industry,” he said.

This year’s annual tuna conference themed, “Shared Resources, Shared Responsibility,” will be held on September 4-5 at SM General Santos Trade Hall.

It is traditionally held during September as part of the week-long celebration of the city’s Tuna Festival.

The conference will start with a caravan from the General Santos City Fishport Complex that will be followed by opening of a trade exhibit from international and domestic enterprises involved in the tuna industry, according to the event’s briefer.

Fourteen experts, including foreigner speakers, will discuss various topics involving the tuna industry, it added.

These topics include ASEAN Regional Approach to Sustainable Growth, Tuna Fishery and Climate Change, Benefiting from Innovations in Sustainable and Equitable Tuna Management in the Coral Trian-

gle and Western Pacific, among others.

“The annual tuna conference will bring a forum of ideas and a network of thought leaders, experts, and peers eager to share the best practices, market updates, test-

KORONADAL CITY

ed solutions and proven results,” Lu said.

This city, considered the “Tuna Capital of the Philippines, has been hosting the annual tuna conference since 1998.

Six of the country’s tuna canneries are based in this city, providing

livelihood to tens of thousands of people in the locality and neighboring municipalities.

Last year, the city shipped to foreign countries canned tuna worth US 3 million, data from the local office here of the Bureau of Customs.

The tuna industry in the EAGA or East ASEAN Growth Area is a multi-million dollar industry with the Philippines and Indonesia as key players. The EAGA also comprises Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia.[PNA]

Nutri-walk highlights LGU to build P230M transport terminal Nutrition Month start T T HE City Government of Tagum through the City Nutrition Council (CNC) kicked-off its celebration of the 2014 Nutrition Month last July 8, 2014 through a nutri-walk participated by all the 91 day care centers in Tagum City, which aims to increase awareness among families and individuals on strategies to prevent malnutrition among youngsters.

The event, dubbed as “Piso Walk Campaign for Nutrition,” also aims to generate funds to supplement the feeding programs in their respective day care centers. Pupils, their parents and the general public were encouraged to contribute in the feeding programs.

Also highlighting the event was the annual Monitoring and Evaluation of Local Level Plan Implementation (MELLPI) through the Regional Nutrition Evaluation

Team (RNET), which consists of the evaluation of three selected barangays, which were validated on their performance and accomplishment on nutrition programs.

These barangays are Canocotan, Bincungan and Magugpo North, whose accomplishments and performance will be the basis if the city will advance to the next level to clinch the Green Banner Award, considered to be the highest award in nutrition.

Serving as Guest Speaker during the program was Dr. Maria Teresa L. Ungson, Nutrition Regional Coordinator, who highlighted the importance of breastfeeding as a basic foundation in attaining proper nutrition for children.

This year’s celebration banners the theme “Kalamidad Paghandaan: Gutom at Malnutrisyon Agapan!” [Gleiza Delgado/CIO Tagum]

HE Koronadal City local government is targeting to start before yearend the ground works for the construction and development of the city’s P230-million modern integrated transport terminal complex.

Marloun Gumbao, city treasurer’s office chief, said Wednesday they are currently processing the requirements for the ratification by the city

SOUTH COTABATO

council of the local government’s P150-million loan with the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) for the project.

After the ratification of the loan agreement, he said they will immediately schedule its formal signing with LBP officials.

“After the signing of the loan agreement, we will proceed with bidding and awarding of the project contract and the im-

plementation phase,” he said in a radio interview.

Gumbao said City Mayor Peter Miguel has been pushing for the early ratification and signing of the loan contract to facilitate the immediate implementation of the project.

He said the mayor is personally monitoring the progress of the processes involved in the release of the loan, especially the

compliance of the requirements for its ratification.

He said Miguel wants the processes fast tracked but at the same time fully compliant with government policies and regulations.

“So far, I think we’re still on track with our target in terms of starting its construction phase before the end of the year,” Gumbao said. [MindaNews]

er for the construction and development requirements of 39 projects that were earlier set by the local government as among its priority initiatives for this year.

She said her office recently issued the go-signal to the Provincial Engineer’s Office to proceed with the bidding of the contracts for the

identified projects.

“These are projects that we prioritized for funding and implementation due to their potential socio-economic impacts,” the governor said in a statement.

Fuentes said the bulk of the allocation was set aside for three major road projects in the municipalities of T’boli, Surallah and

Tampakan.

She said they specifically allotted P10 million for the concreting of the T’boli-Barangay Laconon road, P5 million for the concreting of the junction Surallah–Barangay Lamian road and P5 million for the rehabilitation of the main road in Barangay Albagan in Tampakan. [MindaNews]

P57 M alloted for infra, dev’t projects T

HE provincial government of South Cotabato has allocated an additional P57 million for the implementation of key infrastructure and other related development projects within the second half of the year.

South Cotabato Gov. Daisy Avance-Fuentes said Wednesday such allocation will cov-

VOL. 7 ISSUE 84• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JULY 11-12, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

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6 THE ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 84• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JULY 11-12, 2014

PHL exports grow by 6.9 percent P

HILIPPINE exports grew by 6.9 percent in May 2014 and overall outlook for the rest of the year continues to be upbeat, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), an attached agency of NEDA, reported today that total revenues from exports rose to US$5.5 billion during the period from US$5.1 billion or 4.1 percent in May 2013.

To date, total exports increased by 5.8 percent from US$23.0 billion in the same period last year to US$24.4 billion.

Stronger sales in minerals, manufactures, total agro-based, and forest products propelled the growth in merchandise exports by 6.9 percent. Revenues from mineral products grew by 58.0 percent, from US$395.6 million in May 2013 to US$625.0 million in May 2014 mainly due to increased shipment to the People’s Republic of China (PR China), Japan, and Switzerland.

Similarly, overseas sales of manufactured goods expanded by 3.3 percent to US$4.2 billion in May 2014 from US$4.1 billion in May 2013.

“The positive outturn

in the manufactured segment of the export industry during the period, a reversal from the 3.2 percent year-on-year contraction in May 2013, was broadly in line with a stronger global manufacturing activity,” said Emmanuel F. Esguerra, NEDA Deputy Director-General and currently Officer in Charge.

Total agro-based exports also picked up its pace in May 2014 as revenues increased to US$450.9 million during the period from US$380.8 million in May 2013. Major contributors to this growth were coconut products, fruits and vegetables, and other agrobased products.

Export revenues from coconut products posted a significant growth of 31.1 percent in May 2014 mainly due to higher international prices. But the volume of shipments in coconut products fell due to the natural slowdown in copra production, as well as the long-term negative impact of Typhoon Yolanda in coconut-producing areas and the effect of the coconut scale insect (CSI).

“On fruits and vegetables, higher volumes of bananas were shipped to major markets such as Japan, PR China, South Korea, Kuwait, and Iran. The reha-

bilitation of banana plantations damaged during Typhoon Pablo in December 2012 also significantly improved supply conditions which supported the exports growth of the said commodity group,” he added.

Forest products also posted a positive growth of 34.2 percent during the period.

“However, while overall export outlook for the year is positive, sales in total agro-based exports may decline due to the adverse impact of a possibly prolonged dry spell in the coming months,” said Esguerra.

Other contributory factors include negative outturns in shipments of coconut products.

Along this line, the NEDA official reiterated that to attain the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) Midterm Update FY 2014 target of US$69.0 billion, policies should remain supportive of higher exports growth.

“In the short-term, efforts must be intensified to help the areas vulnerable to the adverse impact of a prolonged dry spell.

Measures to contain the spread of coconut scale insect (CSI) must also be stepped up. Moreover, the capacities of exporters to

improve product quality and packaging in line with internationally-accepted standards and practices must be enhanced,” said Esguerra.

“In the long term, to ensure the sustainability of manufacturing exports, the government needs to intensify the Industry Roadmapping Project.

This includes the on-going Manufacturing Resurgence Program, complemented by continuing measures to improve the country’s business climate, as well as to increase overall productivity and innovative capacity,” he added.

Esguerra also reiterated the pressing need to address the overhanging issue concerning power.

Japan remains as the country’s top export market with a total value of US$1.12 billion, accounting for 20.4 percent of our total revenues from merchandise exports during the period.

This is followed by the PR China with a 17.5 percent share and the USA with 13.7 percent.

DDG Esguerra is the OIC of the NEDA Secretariat while Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan is on official business abroad from July 7 to 13, 2014.

Philippine food, goods now in Aussie market D O you know “ Boy Bawang”?

If you don’t, “Boy Bawang” is the crispy and crunchy garlic-flavored cornick made from corn grit that is a favorite junk food of young and adults in the Philippines.

Imported from the Philippines by Sunnation PTY LTD at Orange Groove, Liverpool, New South Wales, “Boy Bawang” cornick can be bought in Australia from any of the many Asian stores located in Blacktown which is the biggest concentration of Filipinos in Australia.

At Tongli Supermarket inside Westpoint Mall in Blacktown, one can buy not only “Boy Bawang”’but a host of other manufactured Filipino foods and condiments like Rufina Patis, Mang Tomas sauce, fish paste (bagoong), sardines, Dole and Del Monte pineapples, nata de coco, “pandesal”’ bangus belly from Sarangani and many others.

Also in that supermarket are packed “gabi”, malungay and ampalaya leaves.

All these passed the stringent standard of the Australian government as to quality, tastes, salt and sugar contents and others.

Dole and Del Monte pineapples as well as Skyflakes and Fita biscuits, all from the Philippines, are a by-word in every supermarket all over Australia.

At the back of Westpoint Mall are Filipino take out food shops called in the Philippines as “turo-turo” that serve various Filipino delicacies like “dinuguan”, “apritada”, “adobo” “kalderita” and snack food like “bibingka” “ which is sold at five AU dollars each, and “ fresh lumpia” at two AU dollars each. (An Australian dollar is equivalent to P41).

These shops are being mobbed by Filipinos longing for home as their biggest come on is the show in Filipino overseas channel of GMA and times of ABS-CBN. [PNA]

Moody’s: Real estate stress test Villar’s Vista Land unfazed by prospects of interest rate hike for PHL banks is credit positive

D

EBT watcher Moody’s Investors Service on Thursday said the new stress test requirements for Philippine banks is credit positive for the industry.

Under the stress test requirement, which the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) policy-making Monetary Board (MB) approved on May 22, 2014 and will take effect in the second half of July, banks are required to write-off 25 percent of their real estate exposure.

They also need to have a minimum capital threshold of a six percent common equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio and a 10 percent total capital ratio after taking into account the effect of stressed losses on the financial institution’s

It figures

capital.

Banks that fail to meet the requirements will be given 30 days to explain why it failed to meet the new regulations. ”These new requirements are credit positive for Philippine banks because they will impose higher minimum capital requirements on banks that lend more heavily to the real estate sector, and will serve as a proactive measure to regulate banks’ lending to the sector,” Moody’s said in a statement.

The credit rating agency noted that real estate loans in the Philippines has been posting strong growth in the last five years because of the continued robust expansion of the domestic economy.

[PNA]

V

ISTA Land & Lifescapes Inc., the country’s largest homebuilder, is unfazed by prospects of rising interest rates.

Vista Land Chairman Manny B. Villar said in an interview that “in general, a minimal increase in interest rates in response to the higher inflation will not affect the private sector.”

Vista Land, in particular, he said, “will not be affected by an increase in interest rates because we cater to the end-user market. It is the speculative market that is sensitive to interest rates.”

The former senator, who pioneered the houseand-lot package scheme, now an industry standard, also pointed out that “we are used to high rates. We have been in the housing business for a long time and

we continued to grow even when interest rates were at double digits.”

Villar said the company’s advantage is that most of its buyers are end-users, referring to families who buy homes for their own use. “Our buyers are people who want their own homes,” he said. “They are not the ones who are buying real estate with the intent of leasing them our or selling these for a profit later.”

An increase in interest rates will reduce the yields on speculative investments, especially when demand for leased units slackens, he noted. While speculators may shy away from the real estate market when interest rates are higher, he said end-users will continue to look for a house to buy because this is an emotional

as well as a physical need.

About 60% of Vista Land’s buyers consist of overseas Filipinos for whom buying a house is among their top priorities.

Should interest rates go up, he pointed out, the increase is not expected to be substantial and rates will still be very low. “It won’t be much, maybe half or a fourth of 1 percent. Even then, the deposit rates will still be low so people will still invest in property.”

Vista Land remains one of the most profitable real estate companies in the Philippines, with revenues and profits growing in double digits. For the first quarter of 2014, net income increased by 11 percent to P1.5 billion compared with P1.3 billion for the same period last year.Consolidated

revenues reached P5.4 billion, reflecting a 12-percent growth from P4.9 billion a year ago.

Villar noted that reservation sales during the first quarter hit almost P13 billion, “which confirms our reading that demand for housing all around the country continues to be very strong.”

For his part, Vista Land President and CEO Manuel Paolo A. Villar said the company launched 13 subdivision developments with a total value of P8 billion during the first quarter, of which 12 were low-cost housing projects. These subdivisions would rise in Agusan del Norte, Bacolod City, Bataan, Batangas, Bulacan, Cebu, General Santos City, Palawan and Tarlac.

[PNA]

2,061,135

P2.36 billion

P1.73 billion

Number of international visitors to the Philippines for the first 5 months of 2014. This figure posted a 2.47% growth compared to the same months in 2013, with registered arrivals of 2,011,520.

Amount spent by the Department of Public Works and Highways to complete the construction of 440.14 kilometers of farm-to-market roads across the country. With the completed projects, DPWH now has accomplished 85% of the needed road projects for the Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Project - Phase 3, which is expected to be completed within the year.

Amount the Department of Budget and Management released to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to implement water supply projects nationwide.

According to Secretary of Budget and Management Florencio B. Abad, the Tourism Water Supply Infrastructure program—a convergence project between the DPWH and the Department of Tourism —was also designed to spur tourism and economic activity in identified priority development sites.

7 ENVIRONMENT

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 84• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JULY 11-12, 2014

PHL typhoon season on despite looming El Nino

ROUGH SEAS. High waves caused by strong winds pounded the seawall of a port as Typhoon Yolanda hit the city of Legaspi, Albay. [Photo by AFP/Charism Sayat]

G

OVERNMENT expects the country to still experience tropical cyclones (TCs) and flooding during 2014’s second half despite the possible onset of the drought-driving El Nino phenomenon this year.

“We expect an average of 13 to 16 TCs to develop or enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) from July to December,” Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) weather specialist Anthony Lucero said Wednesday during a briefing in Metro Manila.

Data he presented during the briefing show that two or three TCs are

expected to occur in July, three or four TCs in August, another three or four TCs in September, two or three TCs in October, two or three more TCs in November and one or two TCs in December.

This month, TC ‘Florita’ (international name ‘Neoguri’) entered PAR but veered northwards towards Japan, sparing the Philippines.

PAGASA noted climate model output suggests TCs that’ll develop or enter PAR in July may tend to move more along the Philippines’ coast.

The agency’s 10 a.m.

July 8, 2014 final advisory on ‘Florita’ located this typhoon 610 kilometers

northeast of Basco, Batanes in the Philippines or or 180 km southwest of Okinawa, Japan.

‘Florita’ packed maximum sustained winds of 185 kilometers per hour near its center and gustiness of up to 220 kph, PAGASA also said in the advisory.

Lucero noted that TCs are among the weather systems that might affect the Philippines from July to December 2014.

Low-pressure areas (LPAs), the southwest monsoon or ‘habagat,’ inter-tropical convergence zone, occasional thunderstorms, tail end of a cold front and the northeast monsoon are other weath-

er systems that can affect the country as well during the same period, he noted.

PAGASA expects downpour-causing LPAs or TCs to enhance rainfall during the July-August-September period.

People must guard against flooding, particularly during such period, warned PAGASA. “Occurrence of flooding is highly possible in low-lying areas,” it said.

According to PAGASA, near- to above-normal rainfall can be expected in most parts of the Philippines this month.

The country will likely experience generally normal rainfall in August and September, the agency con-

tinued.

PAGASA projects generally below-normal rainfall in most parts of the country by October and November, however.

Even drier conditions with generally below- to way below-normal rainfall are expected in December, PAGASA added.

The October-November-December season is when climate experts expect the chance for El Nino’s development to reach around 80 percent.

Majority of climate models indicate a lower 65 percent chance for El Nino to develop during the July-August-September period, noted PAGASA. Citing latest available

coming Fifth Assessment Report (AR5).

IPCC partnered with the Philippines’ Climate Change Commission for the outreach’s Metro Manila leg.

Reporting on key physical science findings of AR5, IPCC said warming of the climate system “is unequivocal.”

“Human influence on the climate system is clear,” IPCC also notes in its physical science summary report for AR5.

The summary report says increasing greenhouse gas (GHG)concentration in the atmosphere and observed warming are among manifestations of such influence.

GHG emissions trap heat in the atmosphere

and this raises global temperature so climate change results, noted experts.

IPCC Working Group II co-chairperson and Stanford University professor Dr. Christopher Field cautioned about the changing climate’s influence on formation of tropical cyclones.

“Change in the climate strengthens some factors that build up tropical cyclones,” he said at the briefing.

He cited need to invest in adaptation measures so countries can cope with repercussions of the changing climate.

Measures to reduce GHG emissions are also necessary for climate change mitigation, indicates the IPCC summary

report.

“Continued emissions of GHGs will cause further warming and changes in all components of the climate system,” the report says.

The report notes limiting climate change will require “substantial and sustained reductions of GHG emissions.”

Southeast Asia is among regions which experts expect to bear the brunt of climate change and the problem won’t involve just onslaught of weather extremes.

“Sea level rise will be an issue for Southeast Asia and so will ocean acidification,” IPCC Working Group I Vice-Chairperson and Victoria University professor Dr. David Wratt said at

climate models, Lucero said most of these “favor El Nino to develop in the next several months.”

“There’s no El Nino yet, however,” he reiterated.

Last month, PAGASA declared the onset of the 2014 Philippine rainy season.

Generally near- to above-normal rainfall occurred in June over northern and western portions of Luzon as well as most parts of Central and Eastern Visayas, including Central Mindanao, PAGASA reported during the briefing.

The rest of the country experienced that month way below- to below-normal rainfall, added PAGASA. [PNA]

Experts raise urgency for broader action to address climate change S EVERAL foreign experts urged increasing action for addressing climate change to help better protect the environment and people, particularly the marginalized, from its ills.

Such ills include onslaught of weather extremes as well as sea level and temperature rise, all of which fuel repercussions that threaten life on Earth.

“Climate change will have a big impact,” Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Working Group II Technical Support Unit science co-director Dr. Katharine Mach said this week in Metro Manila during a briefing on the matter.

She noted the impact will be greater on im-

poverished areas where vulnerability to climate change is higher.

UNISDR defines vulnerability as “the characteristics and circumstances of a community, system or asset that make it susceptible to the damaging effects of a hazard.”

Hazard is “a dangerous phenomenon, substance, human activity or condition that may cause loss of life, injury or other health impacts, property damage, loss of livelihoods and services, social and economic disruption, or environmental damage,” notes UNISDR. The briefing was among outreach activities of IPCC to increase awareness about its work and output including the forth-

the briefing.

According to the IPCC summary report, rate of sea level rise since the mid19th century “has been larger than the mean rate during the previous two millenia.”

Over the 1901-2010 period, global mean sea level rose by 0.19 m., the report notes.

“Global mean sea level will continue to rise during the 21st century,” reads the report.

The report also notes climate change will affect the carbon cycle in a way that’ll exacerbate increase of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

“Further uptake of carbon by the ocean will increase ocean acidification,” the report warns. [PNA]

8

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

EDITORIAL

VOL. 7 ISSUE 84• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JULY 11-12, 2014

OMG!

A

59-year-old Redemptorist priest got into trouble days ago for a surprisingly irrational behavior he demonstrated during an otherwise usual duty he used to perform –baptizing a baby.

Instead of administering baptism, Fr. Romeo Obach scolded on record the 17-year-old mother of the baby, not knowing that he was being filmed while doing it.

In video which went viral in Facebook, Obach said in Cebuano, “You come here to have your child baptized without a husband. You slept with a man who is not your husband. Are you not ashamed. Do you hear me, girl? This child has no sin. But any woman or man who sleep together even if they are not married dwells in sin.”

“You are stupid. I hope someone would help so your child won’t be like you who doesn’t follow the teachings of Jesus.”

The priest reportedly turned to the girl’s relatives and friends and asked. “Is she being a a good Christian… will you spread your legs for a man you barely know?”

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The video was taken by the girl’s younger sister and uploaded by their grandmother to a Facebook account.

As a result, Obach was suspended from saying mass and other sacraments. He has already apologized for his amazing conduct and has been reportedly forgiven by the girl and her family.

Obach used to be a good-mannered and bright priest, according to a Dabawenyo who was a former colleague of his in Cebu.

What could have driven him to subject the young unwed mother to such a cruel tongue-lashing, we don’t know. Maybe he has a niece or nieces in the same predicament. Maybe he has many relatives who are irresponsible parents. Maybe he is fed up with being asked to extend assistance to poor relatives who have keep on making babies despite their poverty.

Maybe he is just fed up with his difficult life as a priest about to turn senior citizen. We don’t know.

But what he did was a big mistake and he’ll regret it all his life. He needs our sympathy, not condemnation.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

GREGORIO G. DELIGERO Associate Editor

PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

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

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EDGEDAVAO

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Destabilizing plot

S

HORT PARTISAN SPURT – We have often been fragmented into factions – political or otherwise, each chasing after its vested-interest without regard for the common good. This is probably the reason why we are confronted with life-and-death threats – a magnitude of complex problems, arrogance and neglect that have allowed political grievances to remain unsettled and truly lack a sense of unity. If we do not pull this off posthaste, we risk turning the Philippines into a country torn apart by endemic political conflict.

PATTERN OF DISTRUST - On many occasions notably during his out-of-town sorties to look into ongoing government projects and interact with local officials, President Aquino gave an inside glimpse of the country’s present socio-economic and political situation.

He proudly informed the different crowds that the Aquino administration continues to score high in the economic front and likewise emphasized it has moved aggressively to address a range of neglected issues that have long been the subject of concern: rising crime, widespread corruption, rampant smuggling, bureaucratic red tape, joblessness and poor delivery of basic social services.

President Aquino repeated this repertoire and during his contact with the local communities he has always backed up his speeches with rants against corruption with a swath of prosecution of middle-level government officials and business-

G

men, but a handful of high-profile suspected grafters. He seems willing to show a little more of the iron fist than usual, underscoring with sternness that there will be no compromise – or exceptions in his drive to minimize if not totally eradicate corruption.

In responding to harsh critics who accused him of being indecisive and coddling nefarious “political pets,” he says with conviction that the concerns raised by his power-obsessed detractors is a question of perception. Also, in what appeared to be a direct slap on the face of the opposition and militant groups, the President maintained that his adversaries have nothing else to offer except to find fault.

They have no tangible ideas that can be translated into some realistic programs and just want to offer promises to their supporters and followers.

But amid the brighter socio-economic outlook and peaceful environment envisioned by the Aquino administration, opposition leaders and activist groups accused Aquino of struggling to keep up with the prevailing crisis specifically the disgraceful PDAF and DAP fund scandals. This fits into a pattern of

hate and distrust the political detractors now feel besides bearing a simmering resentment about the President’s much-vaunted “Daang Matuwid” (Straight Path) policy.

They blame the Aquino leadership for the problems that continued to plague the country and making it a crucial political issue against President Aquino and the dominant Liberal party (LP) during the 2016 presidential elections. Will those criticism and tirades ever stop?

The opposition forces, which are also badly disintegrated, are turning more attention to destabilizing campaign. They have already spent time and money on smear drive.

It’s a common knowledge that after just a few months of his incumbency, Aquino’s detractors already embarked in negative pronouncements with a spot calling the President: “wrong on socio-economic policies, wrong on taxes, wrong on defense” and every wrong thing they could ever imagine.

To weaken the Liberal Party and its prospective candidates, the opposition has to destroy first its titular head – President Aquino. But for the incumbent President, this is no big deal, being simply a part of the country’s traditional murky political game.

Unfortunately for the opposition, the dominant party might also have an ace hidden under its sleeve and blow it up at the appropriate time.

Between now and Election Day many unexpected things could happen.

pots in the HASHTAGS BREW seashores.

There was that outcry about oil smuggling before, and our Congress now is silent about Cha Monforte it so with our law enforcement and customs authorities.

I can still remember that in the 70s when there was oil shortage, my sleepy town saw vehicles in long queues to three gasoline stations- Petron, Shell and Caltex. People were queueing, too, with their softdrink bottles and plastic containers to buy kerosene. The Petromax lamp was still the order of the night in the absence of electrification. DANECO (Davao del Norte Electric Cooperative, which is now crippled by a factional strife and in danger of being disconnected from its main power suppliers) was un-

heard of then.

Anyway, Nabunturan, then still a sleepy town, whose people used slippers in walking, also stood still due to the oil crisis. As kerosene supply dwindled and being rationed at a high price, many households had no lamps, slowing down the movement of the townsfolk who had a hard time finding their way in the dark. Nabunturan residents were asleep as early as 8 p.m.

Life in the boondocks is only made more laidback and sluggish by fuel crisis.

The presence of many gasoline stations now seems to indicate how far our places and people have gone in progress and development.

Subsequently, under a regime of mass transportation, gas stations stand for how far society’s development has given a quid pro quo effect to our ambient air now.

When we smell of petrol in the air in our next stop to gas up at a gasoline station, that’s just a fine smell of the pollutant that increasingly smudge our fresh air.

Nation of gasoline stations

ASOLINE stations are sprouting everywhere like mushrooms after a heavy downpour the night before, to borrow a tired idiomatic expression. Along our highways and even along inner downtown streets we see them being constructed. It’s as if the only most feasible business these days is retailing of fossil fuel-- diesel, gasoline, aviation gas and their ilk.

Our medium scale businessmen and capitalists think so easily of investing in gas stations business due to the ever burgeoning number of vehicles crowding streets. The business looks simple and return of investment (ROI) seems quick.

Of course, gas station operators are often cursed for the never-ending upward price adjustments. But the operators don’t mind. What is important is that their cash registers would continue ringing.

There are a lot more of oil suppliers now in the country than it was in the 70s. Add to that the oil smugglers that use cargo ships and unload the smuggled oil to de-

VANTAGE POINTS

9

‘Promdi’ has gone into disuse but the behavior persists COMMENTARY

BY MANNY VALDEHUESA

A

(Conclusion)

ND that’s because this public domain is not well-managed, not well-designed, and not built or maintained according to standards. In other words, the public domain is notable only in that it presents a stark contrast to the smaller private subdivision within it.

Unlike the private domain, the public domain is not clean, not neat, and lacks amenities like clean toilets, a fitness or exercise area for youth or seniors, function rooms for exhibits, or educational activities, and such.

It is a disturbing contrast. It shows how inept or incompetent barangay public officials are, revealing them to be promdis at heart or mind, ill-suited for urban public administration, with negligent habits and very low standards of propriety or esthetics. ***** In general, not only in promdi-governed communities, evidence of neglect, abuse, or mismanagement, abound throughout the jurisdiction.

And, more disturbing, rare is the barangay whose people raise their voice or call their officials’ attention to things amiss.

It may be a street without a sign bearing its name, an abandoned vehicle rusting away on the side, uncollected garbage, illegal sidewalk occupation, unsanitary surroundings—all making the community unsightly.

The barangueño’s interest is focused mainly on his own home or compound, as if saying: To hell with the public domain beyond! There is no sign of interest in improving the condition of the entire jurisdiction. No sign that it is a community; nothing that indicates neighborliness, or solicitude about communal welfare or the common good.

Overall, the landscape of our communities, the basic units of our republic, reveal us as a society without sense of community, lacking in social consciousness, deficient in esthetic standards, and uncaring about quality of life except our own. Too bad… ***** How do you view your barangay, your community of residence? Are you concerned about its condition? Do you care what happens in it or what people do to it? Do you take pains to invest time or effort, no matter how little, to secure its wellbeing and protect the community’s welfare?

It’s important to address these questions. The answers go to the grain of our sense of nationhood and the degree to which we would take pains to secure its dignity or uphold its integrity—by taking care of it as an earnest of our love and loyalty to it.

Or are we content with being captives of promdi habits and values?

[Manny is former UNESCO regional director for Asia-Pacific; secretary-general, South East Asian Publishers Association; director, development academy of Philippines; member, Permanent Mission to the United Nations; vice chair, Local Government Academy; member, Cory Government’s Peace Panel, and PPI-UNICEF awardee for outstanding columnist. valdehuesa@gmail.com]

10 NEWS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 84• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JULY 11-12, 2014

Fake...FFROM 1

Only...FFROM 2

“fake inspectors” is to offer fire extinguishers to the applicant which they are selling.

“Kung ing-ana man inyong makita sa atong kabomberohan file mo og complaints directly sa opisina along with supporting documents,” Dueñas said.

Dueñas clarified that not all firemen are fire safety inspectors who are authorized to issue certificate of compliance as part of the requirement to get a building permit.

He said that fire safety inspectors always have the inspection order coming from his office which has his counter signature every time they go to inspect a structure.

“Kung wala gani na sigurado ko bogus na,” Dueñas stressed.

The Davao City Fire District marshal urged also the establishment and building owners to get the full name of the personnel who will come to inspect their structure.

At the moment, the fire office is monitoring some of his firemen who allegedly into this kind of business while they are in active duty.

Dueñas said that there are complaints did not prosper because some of the complainants did not pursue it. He said that is the reason why this illegal business of some fireman remains in their agency.

der after he learned that a detachment commander of Task Force Davao in Binugao, Toril was relieved after he allegedly berated three vendors.

“Tama yung sa military and I support Task Force Davao,” Duterte expressed.

“Nakakaawa ang mga sundalo binubully na… hindi naman ako papaya nito nagtatarabaho yung tao,” he added.

Last Tuesday, Lt. Colonel Nestor Mondia, commander of TFD’s Security

Company that conducts checkpoint in Binugao, Toril was replaced by Captain Richard Duculan after receiving complaints filed by three vendors before the Toril Police Station.

Based on earlier reports, the three vendors namely Grace Tapat, Junalyn Dalian and Rolly Diego appealed to Mondia to allow them continue selling goods and beverages, but the officer apparently got irked with their presence and berated the three. [ABF]

Remove...FFROM 2

NOTICE OF LOSS

Notice is hereby given by LOYOLA PLANS CONSOLIDATED INC. ThatCERTIFICATE OF FULL PAYMENT No.(s) 46665 under LOYOLA PLAN Contract No.(s)436981-5 issued to ALFREDO T. CASIA was lost. Any transaction entered into shall be null and void.

7/11,18,25

NOTICE OF LOSS

Notice is hereby given by LOYOLA PLANS CONSOLIDATED INC. That CERTIFICATE OF FULL PAYMENT No.(s) 21044132 under LOYOLA PLAN Contract No.(s) 183652-0 issued to CARLOS B. SALCEDO was lost. Any transaction entered into shall be null and void.

7/4,11,18

General Santos Drive, Koronadal City, South Cotabato 9506

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

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

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

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

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

age and water connections must be restored as well.

City Planning and Development Office (CPDO) officer-in-charge Marcelino P. Escalada Jr. said in an interview that the rehabilitation of Isla Verde will start on August after the bidding for the possible contactor

scheduled to happen this month.

“The master plan for road network and foot bridge is already approved while a budget amounting P40 million has been allotted,” he said.

Escalada said that P30 million of the budget will be

used for the construction of 8-meter road network and 6-meter lateral road in the area while the remaining P10 million will be used for the construction of foot bridges.

Villareal mentioned that one of the main problems is the community itself as the

residents of Isla Verde insist to live within their group: Muslims, Christians, Badjaos and other sub-groupings.

Until these different sectors decide to co-exist in the community, resettlement would be difficult for the local government to implement, he added.

him to hasten the amendment because of the existing problem on minors who may have easy access on alcohol drinks and liquor.

Monteverde said the he is set to make a committee report to include the item on next Tuesday’s regular session for second reading. He hopes that it will be approved before ‘Kadayawan’ festival next month.

The city council approved on first reading last month “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, oth-

erwise 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 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. ’ ” 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 persons-in-charge, which includes the cashier, manager, or any other employee, of the establishment to refuse from selling the products to customers.

appropriate government agencies for appropriate action and providing remedies thereof.”

The proposed ordinance

specified after a period of 60 days of making the donation, the donor may avoid assessments by notifying the city assessor under the authority

of the mayor to sign the deed of donation.

Monteverde that donated properties comprised a portion of the P1.115 bil-

lion uncollected property taxes recorded in 60,350 accounts found out last February.

tinatapon. Kulang ang record ng City Social Service and Development Office. Mismo ang Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 11 kulang ang record nila,” Payumo bared.

“Ang kailangan dyan isa-isahin na sila kasi mismo sila nahihiyang lumabas dahil sa kondisyon nila pag minsan mismo ang pamilya nila ang

nahihiya na meron silang isang myembro sa pamilya na PWD,” Payumo said.

The mentality of the society among PWDs affect the perception of PWDS to themselves. Pamuyo said that the low self-esteem of these people affect their capability to look for jobs and to perform in their jobs.

Aside from low compli-

ance of the law on employment of PWDs, Pamuyo said the government should also check whether buildings being constructed are accessible to PWDs. She said that there are many private establishments in the city that failed to provide ramps.

“May convention kami last month sa isang hotel dito sa

Davao City [which she refused to name] na binuhat ang PWD pataas kasi walang ramp na dadaanan at wala ring elevator,” she said.

Pamuyo said that it is high time for government and private sector coordinate to address the employment problem among PWDs by intensifying the implementation of laws designed to empower PWDs.

ed by the military during that time.

“Pwede pud mga picture or mga naa lay affidavit of execution na nagpakita sa pagpangabuso sa ilaha,” Cabarde said. He said that with the release of the claims, some people might take opportunity by pretending as claimants.

He warned those who will pretend as claimant that if the Human Right Victims Claim

Board (HRVCB)will verify that they are not legitimate claimants, they will be imprisoned up to 10 years if found guilty by the court.

“Pwede pud sila madisqualify to occupy public office,” he said.

In their statement, the claimant should personally apply to their office for the compensation before HRVCB allowing the latter to verify

the claims as mandated by Republic Act 10368 or “Human Rights Victims Repaartion Act of 2012.”

The statement said that the filing of claims has begun last May 12, 2014 and will end on November 10 though the HRVCB. “While the pay-out to the claimants will have to be completed within two years or until May 12, 2006, after a thor-

ough process of validations of the claims,” the statement stipulated.

The statement said that during the era of the dictatorship of former President Ferdinand E. Marcos the are 3,257 extra-judicial killings, 800 enforced disappearances, 70,000 political prisoners, 35,000 tortured victims and 12, recorder human rights violations.

Based on CBO record, there also an increase in the collection fees from 2009 until 2013.

Data showed that from P46.04 million collections in 2009, it went up to P 49.94 million in 2010. In 2011, col-

lection fee reached P 56.74 million, an increase of 113 percent.

The following year, CBO recorded a total collection fee of P72.69 million. From 2009 up to 2012, collection fee increase by 157.86 percent in just four

years.

The CBO was able to collect an initial fee of P45.32 million in the first half of 2013.

Acting assistant building official Atty. Joseph Dominic S. Felizarta said that more than P40 million was collected for

the first six months of 2014.

This is already more than half of their P75-million target collection for this year.

Felizarta, earlier, said that they are confident to hit their target.

need to spread CASH-L campaign.

“The forum emphasizes sustainable consumption. We should prioritize basic needs instead of wants and desires.

When consumers decide to buy something or procure a service, they should consider if they really need it because consumption can cause a negative effect to the economy and environment. Resources have already been abused and wasted.” he said.

The CASH-L network encourages the act of sustainable consumption with the

consumers’ satisfaction for basic human needs and not the desire for useless “wants” and luxuries because the “quality of life is more important than the material standards of living.”

With the concern for the future generations, the campaign promotes minimal resource use, waste and pollution.

It is anchored on the belief that “more people will be able to make their small contributions that can snowball into a massive change for the better, that there is a fundamental

truth that every human being is duty-bound to care for the welfare of their fellow human beings and the earth with the vision of a society founded on communities of empowered consumers living a sustainable and healthy lifestyle.”

It also aims to “bring together a critical mass of consumer communities and influence them to adopt this kind of lifestyle.”

The local government of Davao City supports the CASH-L network with the City Agriculturist’s Office (CAO) promoting organic farming

and continue to campaign for more intensified information dissemination on the benefits of organically-grown produce, and create programs that will encourage more Dabawenyos to support organic farming, patronize locally, and organically-grown products, and adopt healthier and responsible lifestyles.

Since 2008, The CASH-L Network has continuously campaigned for the “attainment of basic human needs through the promotion of organic products and the utilization of local resources.”

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. VOL.77ISSUE ISSUE84• 84•FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FRIDAY-SATURDAY,JULY JULY11-12, 11-12,2014 2014

BIGGER PICTURE

11

The fight against pests

By GERRY T. ESTRERA Contributor

I

n 1974, Jane E. Brody wrote in The New York Times: “Each year, an estimated half of the world’s critically short food supply is consumed or destroyed by insects, molds, rodents, birds, and other pests that attack foodstuffs in fields, during shipment and in storage.”

Nothing much has changed since then. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that up to 35% of the losses in annual crop production worldwide are due to pests. Of the presumed one million insects in the world, some 150 to 200 species frequently cause serious damage to crops.

When losses due to pests are combined with postharvest losses, worldwide food losses would amount to 45%.

“This is almost one-half of the world’s potential food supply,” the Rome-based United Nations agency deplores.

Generally, farmers use pesticides to control crop pests. Pesticides come in two forms: synthetic or botanical.

The synthetic organic compounds, like Malathion and Paraquat, constitute the majority among the pesticides.

They are synthesized from oil.

Botanical or “natural” pesticides are extracted from vegetative parts. Well-known examples are pyrethrum from the pyrethrum flowers, rotenone from derris roots, nicotine from tobacco leaves, and azidiracthine from the neem tree.

“The first records of pesticide come from the ancient Greeks,” reports the Washington, D.C.-based Worldwatch Institute. “Pliny the Elder compiled a list of common compounds like arsenic, sulphur, caustic soda, and olive oil used to protect crops.

The Chinese later recorded using similar substances to combat insects and fungi.”

In the 19th century, European farmers started using heavy metal salts like copper

sulphate and iron sulphate to fight weeds. “With the invention of DDT in 1939, the war against pests escalated sharply,” wrote Worldwatch’s Peter Weber.

Under stream of new insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides, scientists reported unprecedented crop yields. Farmers began using pesticides intensively in industrial countries and, when money allowed, everywhere else. The notion that pesticides are essential to modern, high-production agriculture was born.

But pests, among the toughest animal species, can’t be obliterated. In an article, Rodolfo P. Estigoy observed: “Over the years, a costly war has gone on between insects and man… Even if we pour billions of pesos worth of pesticides, we cannot totally wipe out all insect pests.”

The use of pesticides creates many environmental problems. “Pesticides are like bombs being dropped in the food web creating enormous destruction,” pointed out Dr. K.L. Heong, an entomologist who used to work at the International Rice Research Institute.

For one, pesticides don’t kill only the pests but also those that prey on insects that attack crops. “There are some insects that are really the farmer’s friends because they attack and can usually control pests without insecticides,” said Dr. B. Merle Shepard, another former IRRI entomologist.

For another, pesticides are deterrent to one’s health.

Depending on the pesticide, health effects can be immediate (acute) or they can occur after years of low-level exposure. Long-term effects of pesticides include skin disorders, damage to internal organs (liver, kidneys, and lungs), increased sensitivity to pesticides and effects on the progeny.

But farmers these days

need not to use pesticides to eliminate pests. All they have to do is plant crops with Bt organisms. Bt stands for Bacillus thuringiensis, a common soil bacterium so called because it was first isolated in the Thuringia region of Germany. It produces a protein that paralyzes the larvae of some harmful insects.

Scientists, through genetic engineering, have taken the Bt gene responsible for the production of the insecticidal protein from the bacterium and incorporated it into the genome of plants. As such, the plants have a builtin mechanism of protection against targeted pests.

Among the crops where Bt is introduced include corn, cotton, poplar, potato, rice, soybean, tomato, and more recently eggplant. “The protein produced by the plants does not get washed away, nor is it destroyed by sunlight,” said a briefing paper published by the Global Knowledge Center on Crop Biotechnology. “The plants are protected from the insects round the clock regardless of the situation.”

Since Bt crops are able to defend themselves against pests, the use of chemical insecticides is significantly reduced. A study conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture showed that 8.2 million pounds of pesticide active ingredients were eliminated by the farmers who planted Bt crops in 1998.

“Aside from being effective against insect pests, Bt crops have lower incidences of opportunistic microbial pathogens, such as the fungus Fusarium,” the briefing paper said. “This fungus produces mycotoxins that can be deadly to livestock and also cause cancer in humans.”

The briefing paper shares this information on how Bt operates: “When ingested by larva of the target insect, the Bt protein is ac-

tivated in the gut’s alkaline condition and punctures the mid-gut leaving the insect unable to eat. The insect dies within a few days.”

It is for this reason why much research has been done to exploit the organism’s agronomic value. To date, there are more than 200 types of Bt proteins identified with varying degrees of toxicity to some insects.

In the past, Bt was cultured by fermentation. In fact, over the last 40 years, Bt has been used as an insecticide by farmers around the world. It is said that organic farming has benefited from it as it is one of the very few insecticides permitted by organic standards. “The insecticide is applied either as a spray, or as ground applications. It comes in both granules and liquefied form.”

The International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-Biotech Applications (ISAAA) recently released a report which indicates more than 18 million farmers in 27 countries planted biotech crops in 2013, reflecting a five million, or three percent, increase in global biotech crop hectarage.

“Accumulated hectarage of biotech crops planted worldwide to-date stands at 1.6 billion hectares or 150 percent of the total landmass of China,” said Clive James, author of the report and ISAAA Founder and Chairman Emeritus.

In Asia, Bt corn is now planted not only in the Philippines but also in China, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, and Taiwan. It is also grown in the United States, Canada, Switzerland, and in some parts of South America and Africa.

But there are some issues against Bt crops. Critics claim that Bt proteins could target predatory and other beneficial or harmless insects as well as the targeted pest. The University of Cal-

ifornia reported that the Bt proteins have been used as organic sprays for insect control in France since 1938 and the USA since 1958 with no ill effects on the environment reported.

“The specificity of Bt for its target insects is one of the characteristics that make it an ideal method of biological pest control,” the briefing paper explained. “The specificity rests on the fact that the toxicity of the Bt protein is receptor-mediated. This means that for an insect to be affected by the Bt protein, it must have specific receptor sites in its gut where the proteins can bind. Fortunately, humans and majority of beneficial insects do not have these receptors.”

A 1999 study, which appeared in Nature, showed that in a lab environment, pollen from Bt corn dusted onto milkweed could harm the monarch butterfly. Several groups later studied the phenomenon in both the field and the laboratory, resulting in a risk assessment that concluded that any risk posed by the corn to butterfly populations under real-world conditions was negligible, according to a study published in the Proceedings of Natural Academy Science.

A 2002 review of the scientific literature also concluded that “the commercial large-scale cultivation of current Bt–maize hybrids did not pose a significant risk to the monarch population” to quote a study entitled, “The case of the monarch butterfly: a verdict is returned,” which appeared in Trends Genet.

What about among human beings? The US Environment Protection Agency has reportedly administered toxicology assessments. Bt proteins have already been tested even at relatively higher dosages.

According to the Extension Toxicology Network

(Extonet), a pesticide information project of several universities in the US, “no complaints were made after 18 humans ate one gram of commercial Btpreparation daily for five days, on alternate days… Humans also ate one gram per day for three consecutive days were not poisoned or infected.”

On tests conducted on dogs, guinea pigs, rats, fish, frogs, salamanders and birds, the Bt protein was found not to have any harmful effects.

What was interesting about the study was that the no toxic effects were found on beneficial or predator insects, such as honeybees and lady beetles, Extonet reports.

The ISAAA claimed that Bt crops have benefitted food security, sustainability and the environment. “Between 1996 and 2012, biotech crops have made positive contributions through decreased production costs and increased productivity (estimated at 377 million tons) valued at US $117 billion,” it reported.

Its environmental benefits included: eliminating the need for 497 million kilograms of pesticides; reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 27 billion kilograms in 2012 alone (equivalent to removing 12 million cars from the road for one year); and conserving biodiversity by saving 123 million hectares of land from being placed in agricultural production during the period 1996 to 2012.

“Bt crops are an addition to our arsenal against plant pests,” the briefing paper concludes. “With an increasing population and decreasing arable land, it is necessary to exploit all options with as little compromise to produce more crops. When used side by side with proper agricultural practices, Bt insect resistance technology can bring many benefits to crops, farmers, and consumers alike.

12 CLASSIFIED

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Billiard Supplies

Phone Nos.

Cell Nos.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 84• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JULY 11-12, 2014

INdulge!

VOL. 7 ISSUE 84• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JULY 11-12, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

FOOD

A Park Inn quickie BUSINESS deals are an important matter when sealing a contract or making a good impression counts. But making that business deal where good impressive courts, business deals are sealed. without breaking the bank can be a difficult balancing act and that is why Park Inn by Radisson Davao introduced their new Quickfire lunch specials at the hotel’s allday dining concept RBG.

Designed for business people who are always on the go, the Quickfire lunch is a three-course meal that features deliciously filling a power lunch that is easy on the pocket.

“Our Quickfire set meals are designed to fit your limited time for lunch and give you value for your money,” shares General Manager Pavan Kakar. “For only Php375.00, you get to create your own three-course

meal and choose from our selection of entrées, desserts and salad mixes, added with RBG’s soup of the day.”

FPARK INN, A4

Grilled pork belly set.

A2 INdulge!

UP AND ABOUT

SM Lanang Premier to mark National Children’s Book Reading Day, instill love of reading IN CELEBRATION of the National Children’s Book Reading Day, SM Lanang Premier, in partnership with the Department of Education and Vibal Publishing House, Inc. will be having a Storytelling Activity for grade school children. This is to commemorate the publication of Dr. Jose Rizal’s classic, “Ang Pagong at Ang Matsing.”

The said storytelling activity is part of SM Foundation and SM Cares’ Program for Children, which promotes literacy and encourages the young to develop their love for reading at an early age.

Former Davao City Mayor Atty. Sara Duterte-Carpio and invited professionals will read books from Vibal Publishing and bring characters into life. They will discuss the moral of the story and encourage the students to make reading a regular habit.

Participating students will be given free story books courtesy of Vibal Publishing to jumpstart their daily habit of reading.

Meanwhile, collected books from SM Foundation and the SM Cares’ Book Drive will also be turned over to two public elementary school beneficiaries from communities near Lanang.

The National Children’s Book Reading Day is celebrated annually every 3rd Tuesday of July across SM Supermalls in the Philippines as well as in China. It is in line with the company’s advocacy to make its malls not just child-friendly but also be a venue for learning, where children can learn traditional values and develop their full potential.

For activity and event updates, visit SM Lanang Premier on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

No need to worry about the price tag with Sun Postpaid’s Jessie J Concert Promo SUN POSTPAID subscribers now have the chance to score free tickets to the July 14 concert of Jessie J, the Londonborn singer behind the chart-topping singles, Price Tag and Domino.

New subscribers or existing Sun Plan users who avail of top-up bundles automatically earn one raffle entry to the new Sun Postpaid promo. Up for grabs are 15 pairs of lower box tickets and 25 pairs of upper box tickets to Jessie J’s upcoming Manila concert.

To join the promo, Jessie J fans simply have to subscribe to a new Sun Plan 600 or Sun Plan 999 to earn one raffle entry. Subscribing to Sun Plan 600 gives you unlimited calls & texts to SUN , 350 texts to all networks, P100 consumable, 30 hours of mobile surfing and a free phone such as a Samsung Galaxy Core! If you choose to subscribe to a Sun Plan 999, you get 4 hours of SUN calls, unlimited texts to SUN network and unlimited mobile surfing. With this plan, you can even get 2 devices – a Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 and Samsung S Duos 2.

Existing Sun Postpaid subscribers just need to top up with specific Sun bundles—CTU TriNet 399 or Sun iPlan 799 for a chance to enter the promo.

Sun CTU TriNet 399 offers Sun subscribers with unlimited calls and SMS to Smart and Talk ‘N Text, 500 SMS to all networks and 10 Hours of mobile surfing. On the other hand, Sun Postpaid subscribers who top up with Sun iPlan 799 will enjoy the benefits of unlimited mobile internet for 30 days.

Subscribers may register to an add-on via SMS, USSD, by calling the Sun hotline, or by visiting a Sun Shop. A maximum of three raffle entries may be availed for each Sun Postpaid mobile number. Promo runs from July 4 to 10, 2014.

For more information, just visit the Sun Shop near you or log on to www.suncellular.com.phYou can also check for updates by logging on to the Sun Cellular’s official social media sites: www.facebook.com/suncellularph or www. twitter.com/suncelldeals.

Sun Cellular is the mobile brand of Digitel Mobile Philippines Inc., a member of the PLDT Group.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 84• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JULY 11-12, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

EVENT

Ciudades announces winners of first MTB video-making competition

By Kenneth Irving Ong

TO bring more interest to its 11-hectare El Centro Sports and Activity Park, Ciudades of Lapanday Properties Philippines, Inc. recently held a mountain bike video making contest where participants are encouraged to make their own videos promoting the park’s 12-kilometre long bike trail.

The announcement of winners of the said event was held last July 5 at Karl’s Koffee Korner in a simple but meaningful ceremony which celebrated the creativity and the camaraderie of the different teams who were able to joined the event.

Lapanday Properties Philippines, Inc., marketing manager Maria Luisa Abaya was there for the ceremonies.

“We wanted to hold this event to promote the El Centro Sports and Activity Park’s bike trail which is the only bike park in Mindanao.” says Abaya “We hope the videos can spark interest in not just the park but in the many aspects of living and celebrating life at Ciudades.”

The five teams that participated were Sikad Davao, Biketas, SDMR, Suasin Couples, and Sick Bike. The Biketas team came away with the Viewer’s choice award while Sikad Davao went home with the top prize winning Php5,000 in cash. The first to fourth runners-up went home with Php1,000 each.

“The El Centro Sports and Activity Park Video Making Contest is just a preview of Ciudades’ Kadayawan Fun Ride and Mountain Bike Race.” adds Abaya.

The Ciudades Kadayawan Fun Ride and Mountain Bike Race will have a total of P28,000 worth of prizes will be given to the winners. Categories include the Open Elite, Intermediate, Beginners, Womens, and the Biggest Delegation.

Participants may register the RIDEA store lo-

Lapanday Properties Inc., marketing manager Maria Luisa Abaya. cated at the 5th floor of the Gaisano mall of Davao.

A registration fee of P350 will be collected, inclusive of a jersey shirt, one meal, a raffle ticket, and a oneday admission ticket to El Centro Sports and Activity Park.

A Go Pro Hero 3 White Edition, the world’s most versatile camera, as a raffle prize during the event.

The El Centro Sports and Activity Park is open to all individuals who want to experience various sports activities with an affordable entrance fee of Php30.00 for Mondays to Thursdays and Php50.00 for Fridays to Sundays.

Ciudades is a 200-hectare master-planned township development by Lapanday Properties Philippines, Inc. located in the Buhangin District. It is a modern integrated mixeduse development ideal for the expanding institutional, commercial, recreational, and residential require-

Team Suasin Couple.

Team Sikad. ments of the Region.

It is envisioned as a new township with all the requisite elements to respond to the expansion needs of Davao City. Its development signals the rise of new communities and endless choices as a premier investment proposition inviting

Team Biketas.

people to live, work, play, shop, and grow.

Ciudades is known for the residential development of Nizanta Gardens of Robinsons, Las Palmas Verdes, Altea, and Soller of Sta. Lucia., and El Centro Sports and Activity Park.

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

VOL. 7 ISSUE 84• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JULY 11-12, 2014

ENTERTAINMENT

GMA 7’s Tropang Potchi goes to Subic this Saturday

THIS SATURDAY (July 12), extreme fun-filled adventures continue in GMA Network’s Tropang Potchi as it takes the viewers this time to Subic Freeport Zone where nature tripping begins.

Join Nomer (Nomer Limatog) and Kyle (Kyle Ocampo) in a memorable nature experience at Mangrove Park where the mangroves or bakawan are taken care of.

These are trees up to medium height and shrubs that grow in saline coastal habitats.

Also, be part of their exciting adventure at Subic’s newest family attraction,

need to make use of both hands in finding their way out of it without bumping into the endless mirrors several times.

Meanwhile, at the Tropang Potchi’s tambayan, Miggy (Miggy Jimenez) will share the unique use of a roll of tissue paper in his segment, “Miggy and the

Funtastic Park, where the 3D Mirror Maze can be

found. Making this maze challenging is that it gives

Thinking Throne,” featuring new interesting ideas that the kids will surely love.

Watch the tropa’s fun Subic escapade and get to learn new lessons this Saturday in the award-winning children’s program Tropang Potchi, 9:10 AM only on GMA 7.

the illusion of wide open spaces, so Nomer and Kyle

Pepito Manaloto plays clumsy husband this Saturday ANOTHER weekend of fun family bonding awaits the Kapuso viewers this Saturday (July 12) as Pepito Manaloto (Michael V.) showcases his clumsiness, bringing loads of laughter to every Filipino home.

When Mimi (Nova Villa) visits Pepito’s house to return Elsa’s (Manilyn Reynes) valuable necklace, Pepito will be the one to receive it since his wife is busy at that time. But instead of keeping it in a safe place, Pepito will put it somewhere inside the house. So when Elsa already asks for it, he will not remember where he placed it.

Pepito’s clumsiness will then lead to

a riot as Patrick (John Feir) accidently throws the necklace in Tommy’s (Ronnie Henares) trash can. When Pepito learns about this, he will search for it just in time when the garbage collector comes. The collector will then find out that Tommy does not practice proper waste segregation, resulting to a penalty being imposed on him.

Will Pepito take full responsibility of the incident? Will Patrick also be liable for the loss of Elsa’s necklace?

The hit Kapuso sitcom Pepito Manaloto: Ang Tunay na Kuwento airs on its new timeslot every Saturday right after 24 Oras Weekend on GMA 7.

Erich plays visually impaired beauty queen in ‘MMK’ ERICH GONZALES will inspire TV viewers this Saturday (July 12) as she portrays the role of a visually impaired model-beauty queen named Jessa in ABSCBN’s “Maalaala Mo Kaya.”

Inheriting her mother’s glaucoma and losing her eyesight at the age of 18, Jessa grew up being bullied in school. But she became a source of inspiration to other blind students and other people, especially when she was crowned Miss Philippines on Vision 2013.

Also part of this episode are Irma Adlawan, William Lorenzo, Nikki Bagaporo, Abby Bautista, Bianca Bentulan, Ogie Escanilla, Louise Bernardo, Joe Gruta, Amy

Robles, Dionne Monsanto, Nina Ricci Alagao, and Koreen Medina. The episode is

directed by Nuel Naval and written by Joan Habana.

“MMK” is led by business

unit head Malou Santos and creative manager Mel Mendoza-del Rosario.

Capturing the hearts of Filipino viewers all over the world for the past 23 years, “Maalaala Mo Kaya” has a legion of fans from different generations who cried, laughed, fell in love, and got inspired through the reallife narratives of the show’s letter-senders.

Don’t miss the longestrunning drama anthology in Asia, “MMK,” every Saturday, 8pm, after “Home Sweetie Home” on ABSCBN. For more updates, log on to MMK.abs-cbn.com, follow @MMKOfficial on Twitter, and “like” Facebook. com/MMKOfficial.

WHEN THE LIGHTS WENT OUT 2D / * DELIVER US FROM EVIL 2D Kate Ashfield, Tasha Connor / * Eric Bana R 13 / *R 13

12:05 | 1:45 | 3:25 LFS / * 5:10 | 7:35 | 10:00 LFS

DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES 3D Andy Serkis, Gary Oldman PG 13

01:00 | 3:40 | 06:20 | 09:00 LFS

DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES 2D Andy Serkis, Gary Oldman PG 13

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

R-16 TRANSFORMERS: AGE OF EXTINCTION 2D Mark Wahlberg GP

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

A4 INdulge!

VOL. 7 ISSUE 84• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JULY 11-12, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

FOOD

At RBG by Park Inn by Radisson Davao.

Park Inn by Radisson Davao’s general manager Pavan Kakar and Park Inn

by Radisson Davao’s Annalee Perez.

Salpicao set.

Park Inn... FFROM A1 Designed for business people who are always on the go, the Quickfire lunch is a three-course meal that features deliciously filling comfort food that makes a power lunch impression that is easy on the pocket.

Every Quickfire meal comes with a bright and tangy RBG Salad with your choice of dressing followed up by RBG’s soup of the day. I was able to taste RBG’s signature Pumpkin Soup which was hearty and readied my palate for the main course. A nice cold glass of iced tea is also complimentary although I chose to have a cup of coffee instead to pair with my dessert later.

Choices for main course include Grilled Belly of Pork, Crispy Roasted Pork, Grilled

Park Inn by Radisson Davao’s PR manager Meghann Sta. Ines together with the RBG team.

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

Chicken with Honey Mustard Barbecue Sauce, Rosemary-Lemon Roasted Chicken, Grilled Tuna Belly, Crispy Breaded White Fish with Tartar Sauce, Grilled Burger Steak and Beef Salpicao.

For dessert, guests can choose between a slice of cake and fresh fruits.

Being a meat person, I had to have the Crispy Roasted Pork Belly. The Beef Salpicao as well as the Grilled Burger Steak were my alternative choices. It can be noted that each Quickfire set also comes with an extra serving of starch, be it mashed potato, steamed rice, or fried rice.

For dessert, the more health conscious diners can opt for a platter of fresh fruits while the more indulgent (like me) can opt to choose between a Dark Chocolate

Cake or a lighter Butter Cake. I chose the Dark Chocolate Cake and was rewarded with a rich and moist dark chocolate cake that had a flavour profile that was reminiscent of Oreo cookies without all the sugar.

“Our chefs cre-

ated these menu options combining rich, textured flavours and healthy, natural goodness which are perfect for a fast-paced life.” adds Mr. Kakar. “Our goal is to give you culinary delight with incredibly tasty and excit-

ing dishes that are sure to charge you up for the rest of the day at work.”

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

VOL. 7 ISSUE 84• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JULY 11-12, 2014

Dedita Parreño Cacdac May 21, 1946 – July 5, 2014 San Jose, California

Dedita, Dee or Inday as she was fondly called, grew up in Davao City.

She graduated from the Davao City (National) High School, class 1961 and proceeded to attend Silliman University at Dumaguete City, where she graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Nursing, batch 1967.

She was an ICU Nurse for over 30 years at Kaiser Permanente San Jose Medical Center.

She is survived by her daughter, Jessica Bukovac, sonin-law, Nicholas Bukovac, and step-daughter, Kristen Cacdac.

She also leaves brothers Rodolfo, Leopoldo, Jose, Jr., Ernesto, and sister Nenita P. Tayko; and countless nephews, nieces, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, friends and colleagues who love her so much.

Her warm smile, infectious laughter, kindness, generosity and thoughtfulness will be greatly missed.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2014 at 9:30 AM. in San Jose, California For friends in the Philippines, you may send your condolences online or email to leepar19@yahoo.com or sms to mobile numbers: 0998-555-9750 (smart); 0917-701-7041 (globe); 0922-891-7041 (sun) Details of a memorial service to be held in Davao City will be announced later.

CLASSIFIED 13

14 SPORTS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 84• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JULY 11-12, 2014

Execs lean on Go, Escandor S

PITFIRE executive assistant Bong Go had his usual hot-shooting night but he was spared of doing it all with his backcourt partner Glenn Escandor hitting his own just as consistently.

Escandor, city sports consultant, quelled a late uprising by the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) as the City Hall Executives escaped with a 83-81 win on Tuesday night at the Genesis 88 Gym in Game 3 of their 2nd Conference best of seven series to take a commanding 3 – 0 lead.

With the ABC Village Chiefs threatening at 7980, the spot-up shooter Escandor took a pass from Go who played decoy and sank a three-pointer from the wings in the dying seconds.

Go took charge in the payoff period and Escandor delivered significantly as the Executive Oldies moved within the threshold of another series sweep. That three pointer by Escandor turned out to be a huge bucket down the stretch as the nothing-but-the net shot put an end to the village chiefs late rally.

Go, the sweet-shoot-

GRAND SLAM

ing executive assistant of Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, scored 16 of his 45 points in the final canto to lead the way for the Executive Oldies who drew 20 points from spot-up shooting Escandor, a consultant to the City Mayor’s Office.

The fourth period was tightly contested as both teams traded basket after basket in closing that kept them check to check with each other.

The village chiefs got back in the game after a mammoth fightback bridging third and fourth period that erased the Executive Oldies double-digit lead.

The Executive Oldies shot five triples, four of which came from Go, in the final period that shut the lights out for ABC. Burly forward Jun Labro paced ABC with 19 points. Romeo Torrejas Jr and Jessie Culaste had 11 apiece.

The village chiefs battled hard all throughout behind their great vibes on both ends, counting the all-out-game of Labro and Arnold Apostol and superb quarterbacking of Roger Galido.

They were close to

nail its first win in the series but they could not wrapped things up to find themselves at the deep hole.

ABC successfully imposed its drive to make the game a fast play contest through skipper Torrejas Jr. who spearheaded a huge run in the early going of the fourth.

The Executive Oldies, who relied on Rhodelio Poliquit and Orly Escarilla to control the boards, got off to a hot start behind Go and Escandor to take a 22 – 9 lead after the opening period.

They pushed the lead to 46 – 33 at the break.

The ABC cut the lead to single digit, 57 – 64, entering the final frame.

The Executive Oldies swept the first conference series 4 - 0. (Rico Biliran) Box scores: Executive Oldies – 83 – Go 45, Escandor 20, Peloton 6, Poliquit 6, Reyes 4, Ong 2.

ABC – 81 - Labro 19, Torrejas 11, Culaste 11, Guevarra 10, Maquiling 8, Apostol 6, Bantayan 3, Laurel 3, Culaste 2, Galido 2, Canada 2, Orilla 2, Barredo 2, Qtr scores: 22 – 9, 46 – 33, 64 – 57, 83 - 81

BACK IN FORM. Glenn Escandor of the City Hall Executives fired 20 points and a crucial three-pointer to lift the Execs past ABC in Game 3 of their basketball series. Lean Daval Jr.]

Mixers is fourth PBA team to cop rare PBA feat F

OUR straight PBA titles. 2014 PBA Season Grand Slam Champi-

ons.

The San Mig Super Coffee Mixers etched their name into the history books as they defeated the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters 92-89 in Game 5 of the 2014 PBA Governors’ Cup

Finals.

James Yap exploded for 29 points in the game to carry the Mixers to an exciting victory. Yap’s 29-point was his best in all of the Mixers’ 22 Finals games in their four-championship run.

With the game on the line, Yap missed two free

throws that could have given them a five point lead.

Luckily for the Mixers, Jeff Chan and Paul Lee missed game tying attempts.

After the Mixers got the rebound, Mark Barroca stepped up to the line but he also missed two freebies to give Rain or Shine one last shot at forcing over-

time. However, Arizona Reid missed a three-point attempt at the buzzer.

The Mixers started the first quarter wanting to establish distance between them and the Painters.

Powered by a combined 15 points from Marqus Blakely and James Yap, San Mig held a 23-16 lead after the

first quarter.

Momentum turned for the Painters after the San Mig Super Coffee ball boy was called for a technical for contesting an out of bounds call. Jeff Chan hit the technical free throw and Raymond Almazan followed up with a slam dunk to cut the Mixers’

FAST Fridays tackles Nat Geo Fun Run, MMA, football camp

T

GRAND SLAM. The San Mig Coffee Mixers celebrate their Grand Slam win in the PBA.

lead down to four points.

Mark Barroca responded with a baseline floater but Gabe Norwood hit a three for a 27-25 count in favor of San Mig. PJ Simon put together five straight points to keep the Mixers ahead but a Paul Lee triple knotted the game at 32-all.

HIS week’s edition of FAST Fridays (Fun-Adventure-Sports-Travel) media forum will feature loads of sporting events and a brand new coffee shop that’s truly Davao-grown.

Set at 10:00 a.m. today at Archipelago 7107 (Barrio Fiesta) at the second level of the Fountain Court at SM Lanang Premier, the fast-rising weekly media forum will tackle the forthcoming Sky Cable and National Geographic Fire Up Your Feet: Unang Takbo Para sa Kabataan, the first ever Martial Arts Expo and the Maharlika Sports Development Institute football workshops.

Another exciting discussion will be the opening of the Dayaw Coffee with owner

Omar Santos giving the media a walk-through of the first ever authentic local coffee brew.

Speaking for the Sky Cable and National Geographic Run are organizers Rosa Rada, Cherill Labis, Claudine Calibo and Monica Peque.

For the Martial Arts Expo, Dr. Vince Vicente will be personally on hand to give a briefer on the August 2-3 event.

The football workshop will have Edgar Te, Peter Lat and coach David Peñano as panelists.

FAST Fridays is open to all media practitioners of the different media organizations and formats in Davao.

It is hosted by veteran sports journalist Neil Bravo, managing editor of Edge Davao.

SPORTS 15

VOL. 7 ISSUE 84• FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JULY 11-12, 2014 LONG FACES. Players of Netherlands wore long faces after the end of their semis encounter to Argentina.

Germany respects us: Aguero A

RGENTINA forward Sergio Aguero cannot wait to meet Germany in the World Cup final at the Maracana on Sunday and says that Joachim Low’s side respect his.

The Manchester City striker missed the Albiceleste’s victories over Switzerland and Belgium after limping out

of their final group game against Nigeria with a muscle injury.

But he returned as a late-second-half substitute on Wednesday as Argentina beat Netherlands 4-2 on penalties to book a place in showdown with Germany and the 26-year-old is ready to put his injury woes behind him for what he

describes as a “dream” World Cup final.

“The truth is incredible. I am so happy, we cannot believe it,” Aguero told the press. “I suffered from a mini tear but I have done everything possible to recover. Luckily we are in the final.”

Joachim Low’s side thrashed Brazil 7-1 on

Tuesday in a staggering match but the Argentina star does not believe that Germany will be overconfident heading into the final.

“Germany are always a tough team at the World Cup but we will continue to play our game,” he added. “Argentina is Argentina. Germany also have a bit of

SAVED. Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero saves this attempt by Wesley Scneijder in the penalty shootout to carry Argentina 4-2 for the victory and a ticket to the World Cup finals.

respect for us.”

Javier Mascherano also spoke of his pride at making it to the final, labelling his team’s achievement “brilliant”, and knows that it is a chance that may well only come once.

“We played a brilliant game, without any fear of anything,” enthused the Barcelona man.

“We came into the game of our lives and now we will enjoy it because this is a once-ina-lifetime opportunity.

“Hopefully we will be crowned champions on Sunday but, regardless of the outcome, I have no words to express how proud I am ... the goal was to be in the final.”

HE “Mayor Rody and Vice Mayor Pulong Duterte Lumba Bisiklita sa Kadayawan 2014” is slated on August 16 in an outand-back course in Barangay Magtuod in Davao City.

Registration is free with five categories all in the mountain bike race.

“However, participants must still register and fill up a form,” said Salvador “Jun” Paholio Jr., chairman of the organizing Davao City Sports Consumer Cooperative (DCSCC).

The event is sanctioned

by Philcycling and is sponsored by the City Mayor’s Office-Sports Development Division headed by OIC William “Butch” Ramirez as part of the Duterte Sports Plan.

The categories are the Open Elite, 23 Under, Junior (18 under), Veterans (31-39)

and Masters (40-49). A total of P24,000 in cash prizes plus medals are at stake to the top three finishers of each categories.

The Open Elite and 23 under riders will have a total of three loops while the Junior, Veterans and Master will only have two loops. Each loop has a distance of 12 kilometers.

“The new race track is very challenging with 2.3 kilometer technical and 3.11 kilometer rough road,” said Race Commissaire Carlofer Salonga.

Registration will start on July 15 at the DCSCC, Room 5, 2nd floor, Jaltan Bldg., Magallanes St., Davao City or Phicycling Davao Office, ground foor, Jaltan Bldg., Alley, Magallanes St., Davao City. For more inquiry, call tel. no. 3003961. – LITO DELOS REYES

Lumba Bisiklita sa Kadayawan set Aug. 16 T

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. VOL.77ISSUE ISSUE84• 84•FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FRIDAY-SATURDAY,JULY JULY11-12, 11-12,2014 2014

DON’T CRY, IT’S ARGENTINA STEADY MESSI. Leo Messi of Argentina is through to the Finals of the World Cup.

Argentina books finals against Germany R

IO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - Argentina reached their first World Cup final in 24 years on Wednesday, beating the Netherlands 4-2 on penalties after the first scoreless semi in the tournament’s history, with old foes Germany awaiting them in Sunday’s showpiece.

The match will be a repeat of the 1986 and 1990 World Cup finals, the first of which was won by Argentina before the then West Germany gained revenge four years later.

Argentina’s win compounded the misery for hosts Brazil who were humiliated 7-1 by Germany on Tuesday before seeing their worst fears realised when their South American neighbours booked their place at the Maracana on Sunday.

Midfielder Maxi Rodriguez scored the decisive penalty for Argentina after their goalkeeper Sergio Romero had saved spot

kicks from Ron Vlaar and Wesley Sneijder, triggering wild celebrations among Lionel Messi’s triumphant team.

“I’m proud to be a part of this group,” Messi said in a statement posted on his social media pages.

“They are all phenomenons, what a match they played.

“What madness. We are in the final. Let’s enyoy it, it is just a litle step more.”

Brazil may have won the World Cup more than any other country, but the one they wanted most of all will now be played between two of their greatest rivals.

For Brazilians, it is unpalatable prospect for the mourning samba nation but for soccer fans, it is a dream showdown between a German team that has wowed everyone at the tournament and Messi, the four-time World Player of the year who has won every honour except the World Cup. Wednesday’s second

semi-final in Sao Paulo could not have been more different than Tuesday’s goalfest in Belo Horizonte but the sheer tension of the occasion had fans on the edge of their seats.

“I’m very happy because we reached the final and now we will see what we can do,” said Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella.

“We will give everything as usual, with humility, work and 100 percent effort.”

Neither Argentina or the Netherlands created many chances in a dour game that was dominated by defence but ultimately came down to a battle of nerves when they finished deadlocked at 0-0 after extra time.

For players and fans, the tension was almost unbearable and it was the Dutch, who have played in three World Cup finals, including the last one in Johannesburg four years ago, but never won one, who fluffed their lines in the shootout.