Edge Davao 7 Issue 98

VOL. 7 ISSUE 98 • THURSDAY, JULY 31, 2014

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www.edgedavao.net

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

GEOTHERMAL ENERGY PROJECT. Aboitiz Power 1st vice president Manuel “Bobby” Orig explains through a powerpoint presentation during Club 888 media forum at The Marco Polo Davao yesterday the company’s clean and sustainable geothermal energy project at the borders of Davao City, Davao del Sur and North Cotabato. Lean Daval Jr.

CITY HALL EMPLOYEE CHARGED

CPDO staff in trouble over unaccounted property

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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abf@edgedavao.net

nother employee of the Davao City Government is facing charges before the investigating committee for unaccounted government property.

City Legal office spokespersonlawyer enrique Junior A. Bonocan, the committee’s prosecutor, told edge Davao in an interview yesterday that a plantilla personnel from City Planning and Development office (CPDo) whose identity is still being withheld is

now facing grave misconduct serious neglect of duty, inefficiency and incompetence in the performance of official duties, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of public service.

Bonocan said based on the initial information he had, the respondent failed to account some government properties entrusted to the employee.

“Maybe, due to the position dunay mga government properties nga na-

ka-entrust sa iyaha. Upon audit yata di na niya ma account,”Bonocan said that the personnel did not hold any vital department in CPDo. Bonocan refused to divulge the identity of the employee since the hearing of the case is yet to start due to the postponement of the first hearing last Monday.

“We still have to look at the formal charges kaya lang na postpone lagi tong hearing last Monday bec-

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2 THE BIG NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 98 • THURSDAY, JULY 31, 2014

Corn farmers urged to form crop cluster

By VANNAh S. ANg

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vsa@edgedavao.net

he Department of Agriculture (DA) in region 11 is encouraging stakeholders to organize a corn cluster organization (CCo) that could craft a development plan aimed at strengthening the corn industry.

According to edgardo rubio, DA 11 corn cluster focal person, the region needs to develop a CCo to hasten sectoral productivity and accomplish affluence in the economy. the CCo will mobilize and consolidate the production of corn as a resource. the DA 11 held the very first corn cluster and key leaders assembly at eden nature Park in toril District recently. the event was attended by corn industry players from all over the region and promoted collective leadership and decision-making in order to come up with an organization that could come up a farm cluster development plan for the commodity.

“It was participated by representatives of 28

IGNORANCE OF THE LAW EXCUSES NO ONE. These foreign tourists leisurely cross a busy Roxas Avenue in Davao City yesterday ignoring a nearby pedestrian lane which made them susceptible of being hit by traversing vehicles. Lean Daval Jr.

clusters in the Davao region and their interest in corn clustering made the assembly a success,” remelyn recoter, DA 11 regional director, said. recoter told edge Davao that the corn stakeholders were given an opportunity to craft their respective corn cluster development plans and identify their priority needs to increase their productivity.

“It will also be an opportunity to enhance their respective corn cluster organization,” she said. rubio said the requirements for the corn farm cluster during the assembly. the cluster needs at least 200 hectares which will serve as a physical area with at least 400 hectares as a potential area for expansion. the area also needs to be registered with Security and exchange Commission (SeC), Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) and Department of Labor and employment (DoLe).

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No more brownout in Mindanao: NGCP

Chamber, Rotary okay A 2 geothermal plants

By ChENEEN R. CApON

Projects to generate 200 MW

By ANTONIO M. AJERO

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H@yahoo.com

he plan of Aboitiz Power Corp. to develop and operate two geothermal power plants in Davao City, Davao del Sur and north Cotabato has gotten the indorsement of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII) and a leading civic club in the city. the twin projects can generate an aggregate capacity of up to 200 megawatts in five years, according to Manuel “Bobby” orig, first vice president for Mindanao affairs of AboitizPower, during a presentation before a

group of Davao reporters attending the Club 888 media forum at the Marco Polo Davao yesterday.

From Club 888, orig moved on to the meeting place of the rotary Club of South Davao headed by Gerry Munda, where he also made a presentation of the projects. earlier this week, edge Davao obtained copies of resolutions approved by the DCCCII headed by chairman John Gaisano Jr. and president Antonio dela Cruz, and the rotary Club of east Davao headed by Paul Yuste.

In a resolution signed

by Gaisano, dela Cruz and lawyer enrique M. o. Diola, corporate secretary, the chamber favorably endorses the geothermal projects described by the group as self-sustaining, renewable, and less pollutive. orig said the Department of energy (Doe) has granted AP renewables, Inc. (APrI), an AboitizPower subsidiary, authority to explore and develop close to 20,000 hectares in two contract areas for the so-called Mt. Apo Geothermal Project. one of the planned geothermal plants will

explore and develop the contract area consisting of Mt. talomo-tico area located in municipality of Magpet, and the provinces of north Cotabato and Davao del Sur. the other contract area in “Sibulan and Kapatagan” is located in the municipality of Sta. Cruz, the cities of Davao and Digos in the province of Davao del Sur. “We are mindful that the projects are located within the Mt. Apo national Park, a reason we will be pro-active in launching programs that will protect the environment,” orig said.

crc@edgedavao.net

n official of national Grid Corporation of the Philippines (nGCP) assured that there will be no rotating brownout in Mindanao region because of the sufficient power supply in the Mindanao grid. “the nGCP is not implementing a load curtailment because there is enough [power] supply unlike in the pass months na mababa ang water level [Agus-Pulangi hydro Power Complex] ,”nGCP communication officer for Mindanao Milfrance Capulong said.

Capulong said that Agus-Pulangi hydro Power Complex, the primary source of power in the Mindanao grid, now has enough water level to to run the power turbines and address the demand of the region.

During summer this year, the whole island suffer from long rotating brownout because of low power supply as a result of the low water level in Agus-Pulangi and the tripping down of the 210 megawatts (MW) Steag

State Power Inc., coalfired power plant.

She said that the hydro power plant contributed 55 percent of the mixed power generation supply in the island’s power grid while the rest came from non-renewable sources like coal-fired power plants.

Capulong lauded also the initiative of private power companies in establishing renewable power sources.

She said construction of the two power power projects initiated by the Aboitiz Power Company which include the 300 megawatts therma South Inc., coal-fired power plant in toril, Davao City and the hydropower plant to be constructed also in toril. “[that is a]good move kasi marami tayong kelangan na power in the next few years dahil alam nating tumataas ang demand sa Southern Mindanao,” she said.

According to the study of Department of energy, there will be enough pow-

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 98 • THURSDAY, JULY 31, 2014

END INSURGENCIES. Newly-installed Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) chief Lt. Gen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz gives his take during yesterday’s AFP-PNP press briefing at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on the new Armed

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

Forces of the Philippines chief of staff’s, General Grego- NEW GUN LAW. PSupt. Caesar Cabuhat, chief of Firearms and Explosives section of the Philippine National Police (PNP) rio Pio P. Catapang Jr., promise to end the decades-old 11, discusses during yesterday’s AFP-PNP press briefing at The Royal Mandaya Hotel the new policies in acquiring and communist and Moro insurgencies in three years. Lean renewing firearms. Lean Daval Jr. Daval Jr.

Board formed to address Troops hunt rebels landmine blast abuses vs senior citizens for2 soldiers killed in explosion

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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By ChENEEN R. CApON

abf@edgedavao.net

he Davao City government issued an executive order creating a complaint board for senior citizens in the city after several entities were reported to have refused to grant privileges to the elderly.

Acting Mayor Paolo Z. Duterte signed last July 25, the executive order

(eo) no. 35 or “An order creating the office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (oSCA) complaint board, its composition and funtions. ” the eo stated that there is a need to create an oCSA complaint board to address all to the violators who refused to provide privileges and

additional services tothe elderly. “there are persons, natural or juridical who refuse to honor the Senior Citizens Card and to comply with the grant of special disbursement privileges, ” the order said. the board will be composed of the mayor or his duly authorized repre-

sentative as chairperson and the members will be the oSCA head, City Legal officer, the representatives from City Social Services and Development office, City health office and federation of Senior Citizens Association. the board will be tasked to take action on

period last year. eastern Mindanao Command public information officer Capt. Alberto Caber said a total of 51 persons were kidnapped by the nPA rebels

during the first six months of the year, compared to only 13 last year.

“Mas marami ngayon kasi the nPA are desperate in terrorizing the people in the

community,” Caber said in an interview during the AFP-PnP press corp weekly meeeting at the royal Mandaya hotel. of the 51 victims, 45 were civilians and

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crc@edgedavao.net

oVernMent troops launched a hot pursuit operation against members of new People Army reportedly responsible for a landmine explosion which resulted in the killing of two soldiers tuesday this week in

Kapalong, Davao del norte. “the nPA disruptive actions against our peace initiatives show their lack of concern towards the welfare of the people of Kapalong hinterlands,” Lt. Col. norman Zuniega, 10th Infantry Division

only six are either soldiers or police officers.

Caber said that of the kidnaping victims last year, 11 were either soldiers or policemen.

the first kidnapping incident this year happened on April 4 when nPA rebels abducted Sergeant Jeric B. Curay, a platoon team leader

More civilians kidnaped by NPAs in 2014, says AFP V

ICtIMS of kidnappings perpetrated by members of new People’s Army increased during the first semester of the year compared to the same

in preparation for the upcoming Kadayawan Festival 2014 celebration. Lean Daval Jr.

FMORE, 10

PMA expects more applicants o

GETTING READY. A worker from the General Services Office (GSO) of the city government of Davao repaints the metal railings around Quezon Park

FTROOPS, 10

FFICIALS of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) expect high number of examinees for its annual entrance examination despite the recent incident involving the dismissal of PMA cadet Jeff Aldrin Caudia for breach of the academy rules on tardiness.

“It definitely has effect on the recruitment effort of PMA,” PMA officer-in-charge and an entrance exam proctor Major ronaldo Sarmiento said during the AFP-PnP

press corp conference at the royal Mandaya hotel yesterday.

Sarmiento said that a review committee in PMA was already instructed by higher authorities to review the honor system maintained in the country’s military academy which is the primary source of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) officers corps in all services (Army, navy and Air Force).

“We are addressing issues as a result of that

FPMA, 10

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EDGEDAVAO

BIGGER PICTURE

VOL. 7 ISSUE 98 • THURSDAY, JULY 31, 2014

All that fuss about Bt talong

By Armando A. Mortejo

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n December 13, 2010, then Davao City Mayor Sara Z. Duterte-Carpio ordered the uprooting of around 1,800 hills of Bt talong in an experimental station inside the campus of the University of the Philippines-Mindanao on the grounds that there was no proper public consultation and hearings held. Actually, there was one public forum held inside the campus three months earlier and another one days before the uprooting occurred. “(B)ased on the report of the Davao (City Agriculture office),” said the mayor’s cease and desist order, “you have only complied with three of 15 conditions that enables you to engage in such field testing.” the lady mayor wanted the Bt talong to be transplanted not to an open field trial but rather “on a strictly confined environment.” But these were not followed. A local daily, in a news report, noted: “the proponents were insisting the plants are confined as these are planted behind cyclone wire fences. It wasn’t Duterte’s idea of a confined environment as she insisted that it should be in a situation where the plants are not exposed to a natural environment where pollination can occur.”

In an en banc ruling dated May 2, 2012, the Supreme Court issued a writ of kalikasan on the commercial production of Bt talong.

A writ of kalikasan is a legal remedy designed for the protection of one’s constitutional right to a healthy environment.

Petitioners assailed genetically modified (GM) crops like Bt talong, claiming these pose danger to human health. they are advocating transgenic-free food production “based on principles of sustainability and protection of biodiversity.”

Bt talong refers to an eggplant that has been introduced with Bacillus thuringiensis. “Bt talong was developed by genetically engineering a gene from the bacteria so that the GM eggplants now produce a protein that defends it against insect attacks,” explained Dr. Michael Purugganan, a Filipino plant geneticist who is the Dean of Science at the new York University.

Bt, a common soil bacterium, produces a protein that paralyzes the larvae of some harmful insects, including the eggplant fruit and shoot borer (eFSB). Scientifically, it is called Leuci-

nodes orbonalis, a moth specie prevalent in Asia and Africa. the moths’ larvae feed inside the eggplant fruits making it unmarketable and unfit for human consumption. eFSB feeds almost exclusively on eggplant. An entire crop can be lost from eFSB infestation. “the eFSB can cause as much as 50-75 percent loss of fruits,” said former Science Secretary emil Q. Javier. “the worm of the insect bore tunnels in the fruit, rendering them unfit for consumption.” the current methods used by some eggplant growers in controlling the eFSB, however, are unacceptable, said Dr. emiliana Bernardo, a member of the Department of Agriculture’s Scientific and technical review Panel which reviews and assesses the safety of gene modified foods.

Many eggplant farmers spray chemical insecticides every other day, or up to 80 times per growing season to control eFSB infestation in their farms, pointed out Dr. Bernardo, an entomologist or a scientist who studies insects. the practice is unacceptable and unhealthy to consumers, farmers and the environment, Dr. Bernardo said, adding that studies conducted in major eggplant producing provinces found that almost all farmers use chemical insecticides and that some even dip the unharvested eggplant fruits in a mix of chemicals just to ensure that harvests are marketable.

Unfortunately, there is no known genetic resistance to eFSB in cultivated and wild eggplants. “the insects are concealed in the shoots and fruits and are difficult to reach,” said Dr. Javier, who is the president of the national Academy of Science and technology. “thus, in order to protect their crops, farmers spray their plants almost every other day with insecticides.” one possible solution is to introduce Bt into the vegetable crop, thus giving birth to Bt talong.

“When ingested by the larvae of the target insect, the Bt protein is activated in the gut’s alkaline condition and punctures the mid-gut leaving the insect unable to eat. the insect dies within a few days,” noted a briefing paper circulated by the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA).

Bt is present in the Philippine soil and had been in use for years without any harmful effects. As it comes from

the earth itself, Bt is very natural, according to Dr. Bernardo. In 1901, Bt was discovered to have an insecticidal property. By 1950s, it became a well-known biological insecticide.

“Bt is easily cultured by fermentation,” the ISAAA briefing paper said. “thus, over the last 40 years, Bt has been used as an insecticide by farmers worldwide. organic farming has benefited from Btinsecticide, as it is one of the very few pesticides permitted by organic standards. the insecticide is applied either as a spray or as ground applications. It comes in both granules and liquefied form.”

But the big question

is: Is the Bt protein found in Bt talong safe to nontarget organisms? on tests conducted on dogs, guinea pigs, rats, fish, frogs, and even birds, the Bt protein was found not to have any harmful effects, according to extension toxicology network (extoxnet), a pesticide information project of several US universities. “the specificity of Bt for its target insects is one of the characteristics that make it an ideal method of biological pest control,” the ISAAA briefing paper said. “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.”

According to Dr. Bernardo, cooking the Bt talong can completely denatured the Bt protein.

“It is non-detectable in any cooked food therefore there is no human exposure to Bt proteins in eating cooked Bt crops,” she said. on the other hand, the US environmental Protection Agency has already administered toxicology assessments, and Bt proteins have already been tested at relatively higher dosages. here’s what the extox-

net said in its report: “no complaints were made after 18 humans ate one gram of commercial Bt preparation daily for five days, on alternate days… humans who ate one gram per day for three consecutive days were not poisoned or infected.”

If that is not comforting enough, here’s what the GM Science review Panel of the United Kingdom says about GM crops: “For human health, to date there is no evidence currently commercialized GM crop varieties or foods made from them, are toxic, allergenic or nutritionally deleterious. on balance, we conclude that the risks to human health are very low for GM crops currently on the market.”

THE ECONOMY 5

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 98 • THURSDAY, JULY 31, 2014

BFAR 12 rolls out new software to enhance fisherfolk registration

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he Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic resources (BFAr) in region 12 is targeting a significant increase in the region’s fisherfolk registration records with the rollout in the area of its enhanced computerized registration and database system.

Antonio Gepte V, BFAr region 12 acting assistant regional director, said they distributed to local government units (LGUs) in the region a new computer program that was designed to improve its fisherfolk registration (fishR) system.

Dubbed Data entry terminal (Det), he said the computer program was recently incorporated into the fishR system to help enhance and rationalize the registration process. he said Det mainly allows the entry and saving of the required registration data with the use of simple data memory gadgets like flash drives and without the need for Internet connection. “once Internet connection is already available, the saved data could be transferred to our online registration database using the Det,” Gepte explained.

The official said the use

of the Det will not only help fast track the region’s ongoing fisherfolk registration, which is being facilitated by the LGUs, but will ensure the gathering of quality data.

A report released by BFAr-12 showed that around 30,000 fisherfolk in the region have been so far registered into the fishR system.

Also known as Soccsksargen, the region comprises the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, north Cotabato and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato.

Gepte said records showed that Bicol region currently leads the nationwide fisherfolk registration with over 115,000 registrants.

BFAR central office earlier announced that the first 100 LGUs in the country that will complete the registration of their fisherfolk will get incentives in the form of P2 million worth of projects.

“With the distribution of Det programs in the LGUs, our registration figures could double or even triple in the next two months,” Gepte said. (PnA)

STARTUP WEEKEND. Angel Abella, co-organizer of Startup Weekend Davao, promotes during Club 888 media forum at The Marco Polo Davao yesterday the upcoming 3rd Startup Weekend Davao slated on August 1 to 3 at the Ateneo de Davao University along E. Jacinto Street. This year’s Startup Weekend

will gather high-profile executives from the information technology and startup industry which will act as mentors and judges during the event. Lean Daval Jr.

6 THE ECONOMY A

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 98 • THURSDAY, JULY 31, 2014

P63 B for Mindanao roads in 2015 budget

total of P63 billion or 30 percent of the proposed 2015 budget of the Department of Public Works and highways (DPWh) will be allocated to improve the road networks in Mindanao.

According to DPWh Secretary rogelio Singson, the fund will be used for the construction of new roads and improvement works in the southern part of the country to help boost tourism and the transport of goods to and from that region. “the entire amount that would be allocated for Mindanao is P63 billion, that is 30 percent of our budget (for year 2015),” he said in a telephone interview.

Singson said the P63-billion fund would be distributed among different Mindanao provinces for the road projects that

would connect seaports, airports and the production areas in the region, which has one of the lowest road density in the country in terms of kilometers of concrete roads. the DPWh head added that they would be working on roadways that are needed to implement the master plan of the Department of tourism (Dot) in the region.

Meanwhile, Singson expressed gratitude to President Benigno S. Aquino III for acknowledging the efforts of the department in curbing corruption during the latter’s State- of-thenation Address (SonA) on Monday. he noted that it is not only him that should be acknowledged but also the employees of the agency for responding to the call for reforms. (PnA)

HONESTY IS STILL THE BEST POLICY. The city government of Tagum, led by Mayor Allan L. Rellon and City Vice-Mayor Geterito Gementiza, commended Solitario Suelto, a tricycle driver who returned to his passenger 5,000 pesos,

jewelries and other important documents left by the owner at his motorcycle.

Photo by Leo Timogan of CIO Tagum

business centers offer Body recommends adjustment SM new government services in Davao port’s regulatory fees S a public consultation on the proposed rate adjustment.

“Pursuant to this objective, a public consultation/ hearing was conducted on July 24, 2014 for the purpose of informing and getting the comments of the stakeholders on the proposed rated adjustment,” the resolution said.

It is stated that the proposed rate adjustment will be presented as follows: With PPA- owned facilities, the annual permit fee will be P650 and P78 12 percent Value Added tax (VAt) for a total of P728.

While for the total ancillary services operators is P4,356.80 which include

the permit fee, regulatory fee and 12 percent.

It is stated that the increase of rate is fair , legal and reasonable because it is based on the consumer price index difference from 1997 to 2013. the resolution said that the stakeholders were amenable to the proposed increase of rate during the public consultation and posted no adverse comment on the matter. the public hearing was conducted by a panel headed by the port manager Leonilo e. Miole. other members of the and panel were architect Ferdinand M. rañosa of Department

of Public Works and highways 11; lawyer Sharon Grace S. Sanoy, legal officer of Maritime Industry Authority 11; Jade D. Abadia, senior economic specialist of national economic Development Authority 11; Vedastito C. Galvez, investment and industry development division chief of Department of trade and Industry 11; German M. Urbiztondo of Forest resources Conservation Division, Department of environment and natural resources 11; and Mary Antonette Doromal, executive director of Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc.

M Business Centers now offer additional government services in addition to its many government services like nSo applications, PrC renewal of professional licenses, SSS and Pag-IBIG payments, and DtI Consumer Welfare Services, as well as ombudsman Clearance Applications. these services are now offered in 49 SM Malls nationwide, including SM Calamba, since July 28. the ombudsman Clearance is a document issued by the Office of the ombudsman to certify that a particular person, especially a government employee, does not have any pending graft and corruption case filed against him/her. the Clearance is used for claiming of retirement

”It’s not a replacement of DAP because what has been declared unconstitutional was only the socalled cross-border releases,” Drilon said in a radio interview.

Drilon said that the supplemental budget will be used only for the ongoing DAP-funded projects which will be affected by

the SC ruling. ”that’s why the President is asking to pass a joint resolution and supplemental budget so that the problems of unfinished projects will not be affected by the SC decision,” Drilon said.

Under the ruling on DAP, the SC specifically declared unconstitutional

the withdrawal of unobligated allotments from one agency to another and use the funds as savings before the end of a fiscal year.

Drilon said if Malacanang will have to wait at the end of the year before using the savings, the executive department will ran out of time for the projects’ implementa-

tion as "the budget year is over.”

Drilon said Congress can redefine the interpretation of savings through a proposed supplemental budget or joint resolution without opposing the SC ruling. ”the SC said the interpretation of savings in the budget was wrong. So we

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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abf@edgedavao.net

he Philippine Ports Authority - Port Management office of Davao (PPA -PMoD) passed a resolution recommending to the PPA head office the approval of rate adjustment of permit and regulatory fees in the port of Davao City. the PPA approved the resolution no. 01-2014 or “recommending Approval of the Proposed rate Adjustment of Ancillary Services Permit and regulatory fees.”

Based on the draft resolution, a memorandum was issued by the assistant general manager for operations directing PMoD to conduct

benefits, promotion or transfer of office, travel abroad (especially those with hold departure orders or with similar names with people who have such), permit to carry firearms, and participation in government biddings. to formalize the partnership, SM Mart, Inc. recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Office of the Ombudsman at SM City-north eDSA. ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales and overall Deputy ombudsman Melchor Arthur Carandang graced the MoA signing together with SM retail, Inc. president Jorge Mendiola, SM retail, Inc. Senior executive Vice president ricky Lim, and SM Mart, Inc. president Chelo Monasterio. (PnA)

can redefine it again to make it clear,” Drilon said.

In a Senate hearing last week, Budget Secretary Florencio Abad said that out of the total P237-billion in “pooled saving” for DAP, over P144 billion have been spent for projects that helped grew the economy by 7.2 percent midway of 2013. (PnA)

Supplemental budget is not DAP’s replacement -- Drilon

S

enAte President Franklin Drilon on Wednesday said that the supplemental budget that President Benigno S. Aquino III is asking from Congress is not a replacement of the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) to which certain acts have been declared illegal by the Supreme Court.

It figures

56% The proportion of the total irrigated lands to potential irrigable areas went up to 55.59 percent last year, the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) said in its latest report. – Business Mirror, July 28, 2014.

P62.5B The government incurred a P62.5-billion budget deficit in June as spending outpaced revenue to sustain economic growth. – The Philippine Star, July 29, 2014

374 COTABATO CITY – To make farmers productive and earn additional income, the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DAF-ARMM) conducted on Saturday a goat dispersal to 17 farmer organization members in Tawi-Tawi, including Muslims who were deported from Sabah, Malaysia. – Business Mirror, July 28, 2014

7 ENVIRONMENT

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 98 • THURSDAY, JULY 31, 2014

We are not spared Text and photos by ARMANDO A. MORTEJO

“t

he Philippines is extremely vulnerable to the ravages of climate change,” the World Wide Fund for nature (WWF) said in a recent report. With a coastline of 18,000 kilometers, the Philippines is very vulnerable to sea level rise.

“A continuing rise in average global sea level would inundate parts of many heavily populated river deltas and the cities on them, making them uninhabitable, and would destroy many beaches around the world,” said the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), a group of 2,000 scientists which advises the United nations. even if the sea level rises only by one meter, the result will still be devastating to the country. An analysis made by the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) Climate Change Program listed 10 provinces that would be inundated.

Although Davao City is not in the list, WWF’s Business risk Assessment and the Management of Climate Change Impacts has included the city as one the cities in danger. “Davao City is likely to face the impacts of sea level rise, increases in sea surface temperatures, ocean acidification, and inter-annual variability of rainfall,” the

report said. “It is also likely that Davao will become the refuge of many migrants –a trend, which has already begun.”

In a seminar on climate change some years back, Councilor Leonardo Avila III said that Agdao district, Panacan, Sta. Ana wharf, part of the Lanang, Bajada and Matina areas, the whole of downtown area, including the City hall, will be completely submerged. these areas will virtually be part of the Davao Gulf, he said.

As a result, 40 percent of the city’s total population will be forced to evacuate to higher areas like the districts of Buhangin, Catalunan Grande, Calinan, Mintal and Paquibato.

Since the downtown area is already inundated, businesses have also to be relocated to higher areas.

But Davao City is not alone. Coastal villages from the town of Carmen to Panabo City (both in Davao del norte) and Digos City, Davao del Sur will also likely be under water.

According to Avila, the critical year for the sea level rise would be by 2050.

As such, he urged that the present generation should do something now to mitigate the impending danger. he also suggested that all government projects and programs should be constructed above the 12-me-

ter safety margin. “not only will great numbers of our people be displaced, entire communities including their source of livelihood, their cultures and traditions will likewise be changed and dislocated forever,” deplored heherson t. Alvarez, the convening chairman of the Asia-Pacific Leaders’ Conference on Climate Change held in Manila in 1995.

It was Dr. James e. hansen, of the US national Aeronautics and Space Administration (nASA), who first raised the problem of global warming. In 1988, he told an American Senate hearing that “the greenhouse effect is changing our climate now.”

In a reader’s Digest article, author robert James Bidinotto, explains greenhouse effect in these words: “When sunlight warms the earth, certain gases in the lower atmosphere, acting like the glass in a greenhouse, trap some of the heart as it radiates back into space. these greenhouse gases, primarily water vapor and including carbon dioxide, methane and man-made c h l o ro f l u o ro c a r b o n s , warm our planet, making life possible.” “the global warming is very simple,” said Dr. robert Watson, IPCC chairman.

“We are increasing emissions of greenhouse gases

and thus their concentrations in the atmosphere are going up. As these concentrations increase, the temperature of the earth rises.”

“While human activities during the past century have damaged a long list of nature systems, most of these problems are local or regional in scope and can be revered in years to decades if sufficient effort is exerted,” Christopher Flavin wrote in his book, Slowing Global Warming: A Worldwide Strategy. “Changes to the earth’s atmosphere on the other hand are global and irreversible not only in our lifetimes but in our children’s and grandchildren’s as well.” the IPCC projections indicate that, if emissions continue to rise at their current pace and are allowed to double from their pre-industrial level, the world will face an average temperature rise of around 3 degrees Centigrade this century. every year, about 20 typhoons hit the Philippines. the country is ranked the third most vulnerable to climate change in a United nations survey. “Weather patterns could become unpredictable, as would extreme weather events, hurricanes could become much stronger and more frequent,” wrote Lulu Bu-

cay in a brochure published by the Department of environment and natural resources (Denr).

“Climate change science does predict more extreme weather events, and the disaster trend in Mindanao is worrisome,” said Joe Curry, country representative for aid agency Catholic relief Services (CrS). ““Mindanao is not normally in the path of typhoons.” history records show that between 1945 and 2010, only 35 typhoons made landfall in Mindanao. that’s about one every two years. the two recent typhoons that hit Mindanao were Sendong (which devastated the cities of Iligan and Cagayan de oro) and Pablo (which left some parts of Davao region completely ruined).

“Mindanao is traditionally ‘outside the typhoon’ belt,” wroter former Press Secretary Jesus Dureza in his column for a local daily. “Although typhoons are born in the Pacific ocean east of the island, they start their westerly course northwards and always miss us.

In fact, Mindanao boasts of its comparative advantage in agriculture in that we are immune and free from typhoons.”

Sea level rise will also endanger the drinking water quality and agricultural productivity, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration. this is due to possible salt intrusion in coastal soils and fresh water aquifers. Already, one of every five residents quaffs water from dubious sources in 24 provinces, the Philippine human Development report points out.

People are not the only ones that will likely be most affected. “Important ecosystems such as mangrove forests could also be lost,” warned Dr. rodel Lasco, who is the country’s coordinator for the World Agroforestry Center.

Coral reefs, touted to be the “tropical rainforests of the sea,” are also at risk. Dr. Josefino Comiso, a senior research scientist at the nASA’s Cryospheric Sciences branch at the Goddard Space Flight Center, pointed out that slight change in ocean temperature will definitely affect the country’s coral reefs.

Climate change will push many wildlife species to extinction. “If climate zones shift, existing national parks or protected areas would no longer preserve the habitat for plants, fish, and wildlife for which they were established,” Bucay noted. Some of the species facing doom are Philippine eagle, tamaraw, calamian deer, Philippine tarsier, and Cebu black shama.

Meanwhile, in the WFF study, Davao City has been observed to be “the least vulnerable city” among the cities identified. “It has the opportunity to do things the right way,” the study said. “It has a good hold of sustainable development in water, power, food security driven by agriculture, climate smart zoning, mass transit, land use and infrastructure as well as efficient land and sea access to centers of development nationwide.” the WWF study suggested: “the trick is to maintain this sustainability over the decades ahead when climate change impacts is expected to worsen in other cities.”

Katherine richardson, a climate scientist at the University of Copenhagen, urged: “We have to act and we have to act now. We need to realize what a risk it is they are taking on behalf of their own constituents, the world’s societies and, even more importantly, future generations.”

“Without effective action, climate change is going to be larger and more difficult to deal with than we thought,” warned Chris Field, coordinating lead author of the IPCC report.

8

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

EDITORIAL

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 98 • THURSDAY, JULY 31, 2014

Pleasant problems

AVAo CItY and neighboring areas are facing some pleasant problems in so far as the expanding information, communication, technology (ICt) industry is concerned.

Already recognized as one of country’s leading destinations for business process outsourcing (BPo) companies because of its superior quality of manpower, transparency in governance and ideal law and order situation, Davao City now suffers a shortage of talented young men and women qualified for the thousands of job vacancies. take note that the vacancies are not confined only to the voice talents in contact centers, but also in medical transcription, accounting, nursing, law and other knowledge professions that are now also outsourced. obviously, the universities and colleges in southeastern Mindanao and neighboring regions are not producing enough graduates qualified to take these BPo jobs. the problem also lies in the different times zones that the Filipino workers have to reckon with in whatever he/she does in the contact or call centers. these and many other challenges in the BPo industry were revealed during a candid discussion with media practitioners

by ICt-Davao leaders Samuel Matunog, a leading software de-

EDGEDAVAO

Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

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veloper and Belinda Laya-torres and hershe tinapay of the Jobs Academy. the reporters who attended the discussion were of the impression that the industry and their undaunted collaborators in the academe and government, especially teSDA, Deped and the Ched, are doing everything to find solutions to these pleasant problems. the media practitioners were told that even the Davao City government is doing its part by providing millions of pesos in scholarships that have not been all availed of for lack of interest among the young people.

More than just industry and perseverance, there is need for creative solutions to these problems. We need to adopt new and unorthodox approaches, not run-of-the-mill strategies, in tackling this unique situation. Indeed, somebody was right when he said that insanity is when one keeps on repeating old and trite solutions but expecting a different result. Creativity is the key.

(Editor’s note: An unedited version of this editorial was inadvertently printed in yesterday’s edition, thus the need to run this edited piece).

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

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EDGEDAVAO

A

VOL. 7 ISSUE 98 • THURSDAY, JULY 31, 2014

Lessons from Graham Nash

nD there’s so much time to make up/everywhere you turn/time we have wasted on the way/So much water moving/Underneath the bridge/Let the water come and carry us away. these are lines from the song “Wasted on the Way” by Graham nash which became a hit among the members of my generation who love folk music. But it might as well provide a good reflection for those who are keenly following how the peace process between the government and Moro Islamic Liberation has unfolded after the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

Based on reports – and rumors – things have not been rosy between the two peace panels. MILF officials have openly declared [their] disappointment at how Malacañang has diluted the substance of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law. the MILF position, as stated in the editorial of luwaran.com (July 23, 2014) is clear: 1. All those issues that are settled in the FAB and its Annexes will not be subject for renegotiation;

L

and 2. Settled language in the FAB and its Annexes will not be subject for renegotiation.

Aside from the substantial changes, it took 61 days from the submission of the draft BBL to the Palace before the Bangsamoro transition Commission received a copy of the draft bearing the comments of the office of the President.

Delayed? It looked more like ambushed. the problem is that there may no longer be enough time for the BBL to recuperate. With less than two years left of the Aquino presidency, the future of the BBL hangs in the balance. even if the president hinted in his State of the nation Address on Monday that its passage should be among the priority bills in Congress the political environment may no longer be as favorable

as before.

And in a situation where the president’s ratings have dipped amid failed expectations in relation to his government’s half-hearted campaign against graft and corruption, lawmakers would feel they can fleece more favors in exchange for the passage of vital laws like the BBL. theoretically at least, the pork barrel is gone. And so is the Disbursement Acceleration Program. Both had been the biggest leverage (read bribe) of the executive in its dealings with Congress.

But since these have been declared as unconstitutional Malacañang is probably at a loss how to keep lawmakers, the pork lovers in particular, in tow.

In short, the BBL – and with it, lasting peace in Mindanao – will be hostage to transactional politics.

Let the water carry us away, but not to the sea of conflict once again – please.

(MindaViews is the opinion section of MindaNews. H. Marcos C. Mordeno can be reached at hmcmordeno@gmail. com.)

A SONA on empowerment

IKe the electricity situation in much of Mindanao and the country, the empowerment of the Filipino remains a pending issue, an unaddressed item on the agenda of eDSA ’86. no State of the nation Address (SonA) or any such report—SoPA (province), SoCA (city), SoMA (municipio) or SoBA (barangay)—even bothers to mention the status of people empowerment, or even to the need of empowering them. the talking heads delivering the state-of-whatever address don’t really care whether other people or the community is empowered; they’d rather consign the issue to the category of unmentionable. It’s understandable. to mention it will draw attention to its absence, to its state of being taken for granted, or to their cavalier practice of circumventing it.

Mere mention of it may bring up the question of why they’re claiming all the credit for all the progress resulting from all the investments and sacrifices of the people. ***** But what is perplexing is the passivity of the people; they seem stuck in the embrace of powerlessness—unquestioning, unassertive, indifferent to official affronts to their sovereign role as the people from whom all government authority emanates.

Yet everyone continues to claim that ours is a democracy. Is it democracy where people power is suppressed, arrogated by the few who acquire power by the grace of the people? Is oligarchy analogous to democracy?

Given the statistic that over 90% of our towns and provinces are governed by political dynasties, no level of our political structure can be said to be ruled by a government of the people or by the people.

Yet, President Aquino in his 5th SonA

WORM’S EYEVIEW

By Manny ValdehueSa is not likely to bother referring to our state of (dis)empowerment; he probably believes Filipinos are already empowered because he calls them “Boss”. ***** our officials generally seem to believe that empowerment is not a real issue. they’ll cite the increasingly millions that take to the streets in protest rallies as indicators of powerfulness. “they defiantly march, even call the president names,” they’ll say, “Isn’t that an exercise of their empowered status?”

But of course, they’re wrong. People don’t walk or march outside if they’re comfortably inside, able to express their plaints, and getting a sympathetic ear.

And they don’t yell or thrash about if they’re engaged in civilized conversation and earnest dialogue with people in office. But all they have for a democratic space is outside on the street surrounded by troops. they don’t rise in anger, either, if they see that their plaints and petitions are gaining traction in the bureaucracy. ***** Do Pnoy and his cabinet understand the implications of seeing poor landless farmers from Sumilao, Bukidnon, in Mindanao walk through rain and heat across the archipelago to get to Luzon and Malacanang; there to follow up on promises made years ago to grant them the land they tilled for generations?

In their wretched state of powerlessness, voiceless in their corner of Bukidnon, they do the only thing they can do to assuage their powerlessness: walk using the power of their blistered feet and hope their lungs don’t collapse from all the panting and huffing before they get a chance to speak out!

Practically everywhere in the 42,000+

communities that comprise our republic, powerlessness is writ large. It is indicated by the obeisance sovereign citizens pay to their barangay leaders. Unable to assert their sovereignty or authority in their own community, they take to addressing the chairman or Punong Barangay “Kapitan” or “Kapitana”—a throwback to the days when our communities were headed (and commanded) by imperious Captains of the Guardia Civil. ***** In towns, cities, and provinces, citizens are routinely taken for granted, virtually disenfranchised except for their exercise of suffrage, which is blithely violated by vote-buying traditional politicians, trapos, who prevail over them, using the political and financial power they only hold in trust.

Powerless to correct dysfunctional governance, the people are sidelined by ruling dynasties who win election after election, then suppress the citizen’s right to participate and exercise supervision over them. even Pnoy belittles the people, denying them their basic right to information which is constitutionally guaranteed— an empowering right. It has been years since the Freedom of Information Bill was up for passage, but it is stuck in Malacanang’s bureaucratic maze. Pnoy can hardly do better in his SonA than to announce that he is endorsing this empowering piece of legislation.

(Manny among others is former UNESCO regional director for Asia-Pacific; secretary-general, Southeast Asia Publishers Association; director, development academy of Philippines; member, Philippine Mission to the UN; vice chair, Local Government Academy; member, Cory Govt’s Peace Pane; awardee, PPI-UNICEF outstanding columnist. He is president/ national convenor, Gising Barangay Movement Inc. valdehuesa@gmail.com)

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Degree of doubt

r

e D tAPe IS ALIVe – Some years back, the sector that has been leading the economy was agriculture.

Since three out of four poor families belong to the rural sector, agricultural reform became the key to defeating poverty, a recurring problem. no wonder, the Aquino administration appeared to be cognizant of of the fact that agriculture is a vital sector. however, the situation now is that while earning praises from economic planners and fund managers, Mindanao’s agricultural sector, including Davao City’s own, is suffering some grave problems. Analysts believed the Aquino leadership stood a good chance of engineering a project that embodies a concept of livelihood that would push small farmers to strive for the improvement of their living conditions with minimal help from the government.

But to fully realize the vast potentials of agriculture in the Davao region and the rest of Mindanao – considered the country’s food basket, farmers should have easier access to government loans. Unfortunately, the situation is not that rosy, And due to lack of access to financing, small farmers and fisher folks seemed resigned to their sad fate.

Indeed, bureaucratic red tape involved in obtaining a loan is a big problem. the small farmers, the intended beneficiaries, cannot just avail themselves of agricultural loans. this despite the brag of the Department of Agriculture (DA) that government has available funds for the purpose and that the department has millions worth of guaranteed fund with the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) which are accessible to farmers who wish to borrow. owing largely to lack of access to government loans, Mindanao’s agriculture sector is having a hard time to develop . In the past, private banks and lending institutions were allowed to undertake government lending. But no longer.

Farmers groups now suggest that funds for agriculture instead be released the way the Mindanao rural Development Program (MrDP) is being done. the DA says it has no capability to handle financing, thereby prompting the private sector to elevate their concerns to LBP where government funds are lodged. on the other hand, government suggests that the funds be distributed using the Conditional transfer Method but with a replacement system. now how long will it take to fully realize the potential of the agriculture sector in Mindanao when availing of government loans is like passing through the hole of a needle? the toughest problem is the very nature of government procedures related in extending loans to small farmer beneficiaries and fisher folks. Bureaucratic red tape is very much alive in government departments and line agencies. to hasten the realization of Mindanao’s potentials in agriculture , government’s fast action is needed. Government, through the DA, should implement a package of banking procedures and measures that would make credit easier and more accessible. this package would provide a strong basis for the agriculture sector to recover from its current difficulties and expect rapid growth of the sector.

10 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 98 • THURSDAY, JULY 31, 2014

CITY HALL... FFROM 1

No more... FFROM 2

uase we suggested that the respondent must be represented by a lawyer, ” Bonocan said.

“We do not want to take advantage of the situation and to accord with the corresponding due process,” he added.

Bonocan said that investigating committee has not yet scheduled the next hearing because they give respondent enough time to find a counsel for his case. on the other hand,

Corn... FFROM 2

Bonocan said that the verdict of the three erring City treasurer’s office employees is still on the process. he said that the prosecution had already submitted their rebuttal evidences to the committee two weeks ago and still awaiting for the comment of the defense side.

Bonocan said that the nature of the case of the three is different from the previous five dismissed Cto employees.

he said that the first one has allegedly misappropriated more than P100,000 and the case of the other two did not involve money because the nature is only about the irregularities on their job. “the committee will submit a decision siguro mga about a month or a couple of months from now. Dili ta kasulti kay daghan man pud og trabaho ang committee,”Bonocan said.

“the crafting of the Farm Cluster Development Plan will be beneficial to the corn clusters since it would generate projects to the organization,” herna Palma, DA 11 corn program coordinator, said.

She also bared that Davao region has a growth rate of 58 percent in corn production last year compared to the production in 2012.

Based on a report by the Philippine Statistics

Authority- Bureau of Agricultural Statistics, the Davao region recorded 64.72 percent growth rate for white corn seeds and 45.05 percent for yellow corn seeds in terms of corn production during the first quarter of 2014 from 33.53 percent and 43.30 percent in 2012 respectively. the country has produced a total of 2, 278,186 metric tons (Mt) of corn for the

first quarter of 2014 with a contribution of 41,611 Mt from Davao region, ranking 10th place in terms of corn production.

Davao del Sur contributed the highest corn production with 44.1 percent followed

by Compostela Valley Province with 20.4 percent, Davao City with 15.2 percent, Davao oriental with 12.9 percent and Davao del norte with 7.4 percent.

under the Philippine Army’s 72nd Infantry Battalion in Barangay Andap in Laak town in Compostela Valley. this was followed last May 3 with Corporal rogelio rosales, member of Bravo Company under the 60th Infantry Division was forcely taken in Barangay Florida, Kapalong, davao del norte.

A day after the first incident, 39 civilians, all lumads in Barangay Panamin, Mabini, Compostela Valley were abducted.

In the same month, five surveyors from Department of environmental and natural resources (Denr) 11 were taken by rebels in Barangay new Leyte, Maco, Compostela Valley while conducting inspection and validation in the area for the national greening project of the government.

A barangay Captain in Compostela Valley was also taken. the latest incident was on July 12 where four policemen from Alegria Municipal Police Station were abducted in an encounter in Alegria, Surigao del Sur. Victims who

were just released last tuesday where Police officer 3 (Po3) Vic Concon and Po1 rey o’niel Morales, of the Alegria Municipal Police Station, and Po1 Joen Zabala and Po1 edito roquino of Surigao Provincial Public Safety Company.

Last year, nPA first kidnapped Private first class (Pfc) Jezreel Culango of the 60th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army and Po1 ruel Pasion of San Isidro Police Station in a road block at Laak, Compostela Valley.

Almost two months after, another incident was recorded when two police officers and a teacher in nabunturan, Compostela Valley. Po1 randy Masambong, Po3 Magno nojapa Jr., and romel Sumbilon were taken on March 18, 2013.

After a few week, Pfc Jesus tomas, of the Army’s 71st Infantry Battalion was taken into nPAs custody after attacking a public market at Barangay elizalde, Maco, Compostela Valley on April 4, 2013.

Another police officer was taken by

nPA on April 28, 2013 in the name of Senior Police officer 1 (SPo1) Allan Pansoy, a resident of Pantukan and assigned at Maco Municipal Police Station. Pansoy was then assigned as police escort of Compostela Valley governor Arturo Uy. the incident happened when members of the rebel group blocked the convoy of Governer Uy in Purok 6, Barangay Malamudao, Maco, Compostela Valley. on May 1 of 2013, mayoralty candidate for Baganga, Davao oriental ronie osnan was seized by nPA rebels for his non-compliance to the group’s “permit to campaign” policy.

After one month, the city government of Davao was alerted when five soldier from Paquibato District were abducted by the rebels in sitio Lubas, Barangay Paquibato Proper.

Victims were identified as Corporal emmanuel A Quezon, Pfc ronald Gura, Pfc. Bernie Padilla, Pfc. Donato estandia, and Private Marteniano Pasiagas Jr. CrC

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er supply in the Mindanao grid up to 2018 because of the additional power coming from new power plants that are expected to complete the commission by 2016. there are currently four ongoing power plant construction projects in Mindanao namely the initial 300 MW coal-fired tSI, eeI Diesel Power Plant in Misamis orien-

tal, Southern Mindanao Coal-Fired Power Station in Saranggani and MeGC Diesel Powerplant in Iligan City, but these plants can augment the power supply in the region only after 2015.

She said that the plan of Aboitiz to construct another hydropowerplant aside from the Sibulan and tudaya hydropower in toril District will low-

er the electricity rates in Mindanao.

Capulong said that power generated from renewable energy are far more cheaper compared to diesel and coal-fired power plants because the operation and maintenance cost are cheaper.

“Kung yan ang generation mixed, there is an assured cheaper rates,” she said. CrC

the complaint filed by a senior citizen against any person who refuse to grant benefits to the elderly of the city as provided under republic Act 7432, within five days upon receipt of complaint.

In an interview, oSCA head Azucena t. Bajao told edge Davao that the order will be a big help for the senior citizens in the city as the city designated a lawyer who will facilitate their complaints against the violators.

Bajao said that they requested the eo to the City Mayors office since 2012 because they received several complaints against establishments who refused to grant discounts to the elderly. She said they also received complaints to some transacting establishments such as banks which did not provide a priority lane for them. the oSCA head revealed that as of this year, they already received

four complaints three of it are for the restaurants and one for a private hospital.

Bajao said there is one case of a senior citizen who went to their office to report that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) allegedly do not give a priority lane for senior citizens during Saturdays. She said that the complainant averred that when she was there to renew her passport, one of the DFA personnel told her that there will be no Senior Citizens lane during Saturdays.

Under section 4 of republic Act 9994 or “expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010” the senior citizens shall be entitled to be granted of 20% discount and exemption from the value -added tax (VAt), if applicable, on the sale of the following goods and services from all establishments, for the exclusive use and enjoyment or availment of the senior citizen, provi-

sion of express lanes for senior citizens in all commercial and government establishments; in the absence thereof, priority shall be given to them, etc.

In the section 10 of the law, any person who refuses to honor the senior citizen card issued by this the government or violates any provision of this Act shall suffer the following penalties; Imprisonment of not less than two years but not more than six years and a fine of not less than P50,000 but not exceeding P100,000 for the first violation. then, for any subsequent violation, imprisonment of not less than two years but not more than six years and a up to P200,000 fine. the law said that any person who abuses the privileges granted shall be punished with up to six months imprisonment and a maximum fine of P100,000.

Public Affairs chief, said a text message yesterday.

Killed were private first class officers Fernando L. Mendoza and elvero I. Batacandolo , while wounded were private first class officers Genesis r. Celestial,orlan V. Parac, Dennis A. traveinio, private Alfon

A. rocaberte and civilian active auxiliary (CAA) Bunso.

Zuniega said the soldiers who were members of the 60th infantry Division where conducting a needs and assessment survey at Sitio Kapatagan, Barangay Gupitan,

Kapalong, Davao del norte at around 7:30 A.M. when they were attacked.

“Despite this event, our unit will continue the Peace and Development outreach Program in pursuit of a lasting peace in Davao del norte,” Zuniega said. CrC

and for the long term benefit of PMA as well as our country,” he said. he said the high officials of PMA are now closely monitoring the hazing issues inside the campus.

“PMA is discouraging maltreatment,” the PMA alumni said.

Sarmiento said that more than 700 walk-in applicants are expected to take the written examination in Davao region on August 3 at rizal Memorial College. As of yesterday, he said that there were about 150 examinees who applied online. Annually about 80 percent of the examinees are walk-in

applicants. other testing centers in eastern Mindanao are Agusan national high School in Butuan City and Camp evangelista , 4th Infantry Division in Cagayan de oro whose examination will be also on August 3. the entrance exam covers Algebra, Geometry, Grammar and Composition, reading and comprehension, verbal and numerical reasoning and pattern analysis.

Qualified applicants must be natural born Filipino citizen, physically fit, single, at least high school graduate, no administrative or criminal

case, between 17 to 21 years old not later than April 1 next year, height requirement is 5 feet to 6 feet and 4 inches for both male and female.

Applicants who will pass the written entrance examination will undergo the physical examination at PMA Baguio campus. once admitted, passer will be admitted in the academy as cadet.

Cadet will be free of high quality college education, board and lodging, meals with a basic monthly pay of P 27, 425, with additional P 6,300 allowance as a probationary second lieutenant. CrC

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11 HEALTH

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 98 • THURSDAY, JULY 31, 2014

Slow-motion suicide

By ARMANDO A. MORTEJO

“W

eLCoMe to Davao City!” the flight stewardess said upon landing at the Davao International Airport. “We want to remind our passengers that smoking is strictly prohibited in public places in the city, including the airport and its premises.”

Yes, no one is allowed to smoke cigarettes in Davao City. You won’t see people puffing cigarettes while striding along the sidewalks. You won’t see children selling cigarettes in heavily traffic streets. even inside the public utilities, cinemas, malls, restaurants, and bars.

Last year, on May 31, the Davao government implemented City ordinance 0367-12, otherwise known as the new Comprehensive Anti-Smoking ordinance of Davao City. the said ordinance is not an amendment of the previous ordinance on anti-smoking but included some stricter policies and its scope is much wider. “the (new) ordinance now has a wider scope as it covers not only cigarettes but all tobacco products,” Dr. Domilyn C. Villareiz, head of the Anti-Smoking task Force of Davao City, was quoted as saying. “So, if there will be emerging or new tobacco products coming in

the city, they will be covered by the ordinance. It also covers water pipes, shisha and e-cigarettes.”

Aside from those mentioned earlier, people are also strictly prohibited to smoke in public gatherings like concerts, rallies, and parades. “In the previous ordinance, the cemetery, markets, terminals and public places were not included but now, it is covered in the new ordinance,” Dr. Villareiz further said.

Damn, smokers may say. But wait, there are few places in Davao City where you can smoke to your heart’s content. these are in your own residence or in someone’s, in private vehicles, and designated outdoor smoking areas. no one is above the law in Davao City, especially when it comes to the anti-smoking ordinance. even President Benigno Aquino III knows this well. At one time, local journalist edith regalado saw the president puffing a stick of cigarette under a tree marked as a designated smoking area.

“Look, I’m a law-abiding citizen,” the President was quoted as saying.

When Christopher Columbus returned to Spain after discovering America in 1492, one of the things he brought back

was tobacco. Five hundred years later, smoking has become a worldwide, and hundreds of millions of people are now using tobacco in various forms. history records showed that tobacco was introduced in the Philippines in the late 16th century during the era of Spanish colonization when the Augustinians brought cigar tobacco seeds to the colony for cultivation. In 1686, William Dampier visited Mindanao and observed that smoking was a widespread custom.

Cigarettes, one of the most popular forms of tobacco, are poison, anti-smoking groups declared. their main component, as one health advocate eloquently puts it, are “tobacco which kills and nicotine which is addictive.”

Dr. halfdan Mahler, former director-general of the World health organization (Who), likened tobacco use to “slow-motion suicide.”

Smoking is one of the world’s leading killers. the Un health agency estimates that about three million people die every year from tobacco-related causes. In industrialized countries, smoking is responsible for 30% of all cancers: lung, oral cavity, larynx, esophagus, blad-

der, pancreas, and kidney.

Currently, there are about 10 million Filipino smokers needing help to quit smoking. the Policy recommendations for Smoking Cessation and treatment of tobacco Dependence said that it is not possible to reduce tobacco-related deaths over the next 30-50 years unless adult smokers are encouraged to quit.

When it comes to smoking, it is usually those who quit that emerge winners. Dr. Willie t. ong, author of several health books and active consultant in cardiology at the Manila Doctors hospital and Makati Medical Center, said a person who quits smoking will immediately get his rewards instantly.

Citing a study done by the American Lung Association, Dr. ong said the health benefits of quitting will “begin just 20 minutes after your last cigarette. Your blood pressure and heart rate will decrease, and the oxygen content of your body will increase.”

After the first day of quitting, a previous smoker’s risk of suffering a heart attack will be reduced. on the second day, his nerve endings will start to heal and his ability to smell and taste will improve. Between 2

weeks and 3 months after quitting, his blood circulation will improve. his cough will be lessened and walking will become easier. Soon, his lung function will improve dramatically.

“By the time you reach 15 years of never touching a cigarette, your risk of dying will be the same as a non-smoker,” Dr. ong pointed out. “this just goes to show that the ill effects of smoking are serious and deadly. Quit early and quit now. Quit while you are still young to obtain the full health benefits from quitting.”

In 2002, the Philippines was listed as the 15th largest consumer of cigarettes in the world.

Among Asian countries, the country has one of the highest smoking rates in the region. Small wonder, the Un health agency estimates that 10 Filipinos die every hour due to cancer, stroke, lung and heart diseases brought on by cigarette smoking.

Because of these reasons, health advocates are urging Filipinos to quit smoking. “Some people can quit smoking just like that and suffer no side effects,” Dr. ong noted. “however, for others, it can be a difficult process.”

Dr. ong cited three factors responsible for the difficulty in quitting.

“Knowing these factors

will help you prepare yourself for the quitting process,” he said. the factors were: (1) the number of cigarettes being smoked each day, (2) the people who smoke around the person who want to quit, and (3) the real reason on why the person smokes. “It could be due to peer pressure or for weight control,” Dr. ong said of the latter.

“If you really want to quit smoking, you must identify the situations that trigger you to smoke, and do your best to avoid them,” Dr. ong suggested.

Perhaps people who want to quit smoking can learn something from American president Dwight David eisenhower.

In his book, he revealed that he had been a heavy smoker but because of failing health, his doctor ordered him to give up the habit. he did -- and his health immediately improved and he never went back to the habit. one journalist asked the American president shortly after the publication of the book if, when in the company of others who were smoking he felt he was missing something, or if it was difficult to refrain from smoking. to this, eisenhower replied: “no, I just think, ‘I had the willpower to quit and they haven’t.’”

12 CLASSIFIED

(

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Billiard Supplies

Phone Nos.

Cell Nos.

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EVENT

Paragon Productions organizing team with their mentor Mr. Riccardo Enriquez.

Foto Modelo Ateneo. Young ladies showing their support for the upcoming FMA Season 4 this September 20.

BEST PARTY EVER. These ladies imprinted Elation the best fundraising event in the city.

STOKED. Party goers excited to support the upcoming events of the Paragon Productions.

Elation: Party with a cause

By ATHENA JILLIAN BRAVO

PHOTOS BY: Sofia Aledia, Eanna Fernandez and Earl Africa

Let’s admit it. We party to kick the stress away and to have a good time.

It’s always a feeling of giving yourself a treat. For yourself and yourself alone, speaking matter of factly about it.

But when does partying turn from being selfcentered to something that goes for a good cause?

Meaning, partying for others. Is there such a thing?

Don’t look now but that’s exactly the point of “Elation.”

Partyphiles have fulfilled that feeling they all deserved during Elation: A shindig with a cause last July 25, 2014 at Starr Dinepartyshine Club. Unexpectedly, ticket sales reached 371. That raving 371 were all hyped up and elated all throughout the night.

Elation was just one of Paragon Production’s fundraising events this

FELATION, A4

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UP AND ABOUT

PAL flies Muslim orphans to Manila to start new lives THE decades-old armed conflict in Mindanao, notwithstanding recent successful efforts at forging peace with Muslim rebels, continues to take its toll on innocent children, many of whom have turned orphans as their parents become statistics of war casualties.

The Dar Amanah Chil dre n’s Village Foundation, the only Muslim orphanage in Luzon, is one of those Photo shows the Muslim children (with Social humanitar- Welfare workers as escort) from Cagayan de ian groups Oro upon arrival at Terminal 3 – eyes filled with who provide anxiety and uncertainty on what their future shelter to or- holds. phans, offering hope to such collateral damage of insurgencies in Mindanao.

In 2009, the PAL Foundation received its first request for free air transport of Muslim orphans to be brought to the Dar Amanah orphanage in Cavite. The children are from poor families and processed by the Social Welfare Department office in Mindanao.

Since then, the Dar Amanah Foundation has been coordinating with the PAL Foundation to fly Muslim orphans to Manila.

Last June, PAL flew 28 orphans – mostly girls, from 7 to 13 years old – from Cagayan de Oro (a separate group of four children came from Zamboanga) to Manila, to take refuge at the orphanage in Cavite.

With no parents, no homes and no money, the children are trying to rebuild their lives and possibly start new dreams, with a little help from the PAL Foundation.

Smart opens 7th online community mapping contest ANY Filipino can now become local ambassadors of their respective hometowns as Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) opens its Doon Po Sa Amin (DPSA) online competition to everyone. DPSA is the country’s biggest and longestrunning crowd sourced community mapping activity, organized by the telco leader under its Smart Schools Program.

Designed to uncover the best hometown stories and attractions that the Philippines has to offer, DPSA was launched in 2008 as a learning challenge for primary and secondary schools. Through the contest, Smart was able to encourage thousands of elementary and high school students nationwide to use web and Internet technologies to promote the most unique and interesting about the country.

This year, Smart extends the invitation to everyone—including college students, young professionals, film enthusiasts, out-of-school-youth—who wants to contribute to the promotion of the local tourism. Teams participating in DPSA are required to find the best stories about their hometowns, tell these stories online using multimedia, and pin them online in a map.

Aside from using technology to enable content creation, Smart hopes that the experience of joining DPSA will instill love and pride of place and the country among the participants as they generate and share their own hometown stories online.

“By engaging Pinoys to contribute stories about where they live, they learn new things about their town that can make them feel proud of being a Filipino,” said Ramon R. Isberto, group head for Public Affairs at Smart. “Hopefully, this pride will translate to meaningful actions in helping their communities,” Isberto added.

Entries to DPSA can be about their town’s history, traditions, festivals and activities, places to visit, notable people, unique plants and animals, special delicacies, and local products. Video entries may be in the form of animation, documentary, short film or music video.

Registration and submission of entries for DPSA is ongoing up to October 31, 2014. Entries will be judged according to content (40%), creativity (30%), execution (20%), and impact (10%). More than Php500,000 are up for grabs to the teams with the best stories.

For more information, visit DPSA website or follow DPSA on Facebook and Twitter.

The Next-Gen MeMO Pad 7and Fonepad 7 officially launched

ASUS announces the availability of the MeMO Pad 7 ME176CX locally.

The New MeMO Pad 7 is equipped with the new 64-bit Intel quadcore CPU that makes it a powerful, yet affordable power efficient tablet. It comes in 5 stylish colors (white, yellow, red, blue and black). It is handier than its predecessor MeMO Pad HD 7 with its slimmer bezels and thinner build, plus it runs the latest Android OS 4.4 KitKat along with brand new ASUS Zen UI. It features the advanced 64-bit Intel Atom Z3745 quad-core processor (up to 1.86GHz) that provides smooth gaming performance and fast app loading. With up to 8 times better CPU performance than the MeMO Pad HD 7, it can run Android Games without experiencing any lags at all.

(The processor already powers ultraportable notebooks so you are ensured of great tablet performance).

Equipped with 7-inch 1280 x 800 HD IPS displays, MeMO Pad 7 ME176CX provide highly detailed, crystal-clear images. It is also portable wireless entertainment hubs, with Miracast support allowing users to stream multimedia content to compatible external displays, plus CSR’s aptX® audio coding for wireless CD-quality audio streaming to optional Bluetooth head-

cessor 1.2GHz with Intel Hyper-Threading Technology that combines powerful performance with energy efficiency, giving this Android 4.3 Jelly Bean (4.4 KitKat upgradable) tablet smooth multi-tasking performance and an incredible

sets. Users can also take excellent images with the tablets’ 0.3-megapixel front-facing and 2-megapixel rear-facing cameras.

It supports MicroSD cards up to 64GB, giving plenty of room to store photos, videos, apps, and more.

MeMO Pad 7 ME176CX is available for a very af-

fordable price of only Php 6,995 (8GB).

Featuring the New Fonepad 7 FE170CG, the latest version of the 7-inch Android device with full 3G telephony functionality. The latest Fonepad 7 comes in a range of colors (black, red, white, and blue), and is powered by an Intel® Atom™ DualCore Processor 1.2GHz with Intel® Hyper-Thread-

ing Technology. It is more handy than its predecessor the Fonepad 7 Dual SIM ME175CG, with an 11cm width, you can easily hold it with one hand.

A narrower bezel design provides users with a larger viewing area on which to experience the brand new ZenUI interface.

The ASUS Fonepad 7 (FE170CG) features an Intel Atom Multi-Core Pro-

10-hour battery life. The 1024 x 600 display provides vivid, clear visuals while high quality audio is provided by a front speaker with ASUS SonicMaster technology.

Built-in 3G with HSPA+ mobile data with download speeds up to 42Mbit/s and uploads of 5.76Mbit/s meaning Fonepad 7 is an alwaysconnected device for seamless web browsing.

With full 3G telephony support across GSM and WCDMA bands, Fonepad 7 can also be used for voice calls using the builtin noise-cancelling digital microphone or an optional Bluetooth headset.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Rita de Guzman’s star on the rise GMA Artist Center talent Rita de Guzman is happy at the rate things are going in her career. After being hailed as the first grand champion of QTV’s PopStar Kids in 2006, she has made various appearances on different TV shows, the latest of which was the high-rating remake of the 90’s hit series Villa Quintana.

Currently, the Kapuso actress makes her way to the indie arena via the movie entry Asintado to be featured in the 10th year of the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival. A masterpiece by renowned director Louie Ignacio, Asintado tells the story of a young man who becomes a drug courier and his mother’s attempt to save him.

While she may be busy with the movie, taking a breather from her other passion, which is singing, is not an option. At the moment, preparations are also underway for her debut album under GMA Records which is set to be released by the end of this year.

Read on and get to know more about Rita in this interview, as she talks about her career and personal life.

Q: Can you tell us something about the Cinemalaya movie you’re part of and the character you’ll be portraying?

R: ‘Yung movie ko sa Cinemalaya is Asintado, which is directed by Louie Ignacio.

Ang character ko dito ay si Lanie. Ako ‘yung ka-love team ni Jake Vargas, ‘yung aggressive girlfriend niya pero mabait naman. The story of Asintado will revolve around Etok (Miggs Cuaderno) na isang batang retarded. So para sa akin, ‘yung dating sa akin nung movie, nung nabasa ko ‘yung buong script, may laman siya. Kasi diba hindi por que retarded, akala mo pwede mo nang maipagawa sa kanila ang kahit ano, pero hindi. Mare-realize mo na may puso rin sila at malalim din silang magisip.

Q: What challenged you most in this project?

R: Medyo mahirap i-portray ‘yung character kasi nakatira kami sa Nueva Ecija, so may punto kami magsalita. Medyo mahirap siya kasi parang kapag hindi mo siya inalagaan, ‘yung tono mo pwedeng mag-iba, so kailangan mo talagang malaman ‘yung tamang pananalita.

Q: What are your preparations for your role?

R: Meron kaming mentor sa set na nagtuturo sa amin and very thankful kami sa kanya. Kumbaga parang hindi lang niya kami once tinuruan. Every time na may scene kami, “O, patingin ng lines mo,” sasabihin niya ‘yun sa aming lahat, hindi lang sa akin.

“O ganito ‘yung tamang pagbigkas,” pinakikinggan lang namin siya. Pero minsan, lalo na kapag may iba kang ginagawa, pagbalik mo sa shooting, “Oh my gosh! Nakalimutan ko na yung punto! Nasaan si Ate?” Then magpapaturo ulit kami, ‘yung ganun.

Q: Like Lanie, do you see yourself as an aggressive woman in real life?

R: In some ways. Siyempre di ba hindi naman pwede na mabait ka lang sa buhay, kailangan medyo aggressive ka rin pagdating sa ibang bagay.

Q: Aside from Jake Vargas and Miggs Cuaderno, who are your other co-ac-

tors in the movie?

R: Makakasama ko rin dito sila Mr. Gabby Eigenmann, Rochelle Pangilinan, Jack Roberto, and of course Ms. Aiko Melendez.

Q: Is this your first time in the indie scene?

R: No. Hindi ko na nga alam kung pang-ilang indie film ko ito eh, pero first na Cinemalaya ko ito. I remember twice na akong nag-audition before for Cinemalaya. Pero this time, in Asintado, most of us are hand-picked by direk Louie, hindi kami nagaudition.

Q: How did you feel being personally chosen to play the role of Lanie?

R: Siyempre masaya kasi di ba halos lahat ng nagiging part ng Cinemalaya ay kailangang mag-audition.

Kahit kilalang artista, nagau-audition. So masaya talaga.

Q: As an actress, what do you like most about indie films?

R: Art film kasi siya eh and ako, mahilig ako sa arts.

Kasi ‘yung kinukuha kong course ngayon ay Film. Ako, I cannot live without arts.

Di ba kasi kapag mainstream, it’s so different. Sa indie films, mas nalalabas mo ‘yung own style mo as an actor. Sa indie films, parang iba ‘yung freedom na nabibigay sa ’yo.

Q: What was your first indie film?

R: ‘Yung Lagim. Pero sobrang bata ko pa noon.

Mga 12 or 13 ako yata ako.

Ilang minuto lang din ako ipinakita sa screen. That time, alam mo yung hindi ko pa naiintindihan? Pero ‘yun talaga ang nagbukas sa isip ko. Noong ginawa ko yung Lagim, parang 10 days kami noon sa malayong bundok, talagang probinsiya siya. It’s a thriller movie about aswangs.

I’m the head aswang. Pero bata ‘yung character ko.

I’m a shape shifter. Pero doon, nakita ko kung gaano kalalim ang character ko and sobrang napamulat ako ng director ko na “Ay, kaya ko pala? Kaya ko palang maging malalim sa murang edad?” Nakita ko na in just 10 days, you can finish a very nice art film.

Na kung gusto mo talagang gumawa, you can finish it in 10 days. Sa mainstream kasi, you need to do it in three months and with so much budget. Kaya ngayon, everytime na may offer sa akin na indie films, go, go lang ako ng go kasi ‘yun talaga ang passion ko.

Kapag gusto mo yung ginagawa mo, parang hindi naman importante kung gaano kalaki ‘yung bayad sa ‘yo as long as masaya ka sa ginagawa mo.

Pic of the day

WITH many new movies originating from comic book characters, Comicon has become one of the most star-studded events lately and this year’s event was made more exciting thanks to Zak Snyder revealing a photo of Israeli actress Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman in the upcoming Batman vs. Superman movie.

Instead of the heroine’s famous starred blue-and-red hot pant ensemble, Wonder Woman looks tough with her Amazonian armour getup.

Q: What keeps you going and inspired?

R: Every time, iniisip ko na lang that I am very blessed kasi not everyone ay nabibigyan ng opportunity or ng ganitong buhay.

Parang kayang-kaya mong tuparin ang mga pangarap mo. You just need the right people to help you. ‘Yun na lang nag-pu-push sa akin.

‘Yun na lang iniisip ko that I’m very blessed saka ‘yung mga pangarap ko.

Q: At a very young age, you have already achieved so much. What else do you want to attain?

R: Gusto kong makatapos ng pag-aaral. Gusto kong magkaroon ng masaya at maginhawang pamumuhay. Gusto kong magkaroon ng magandang tirahan. Hindi ‘yung sobrang bongga, ang sinasabi ko lang ay ‘yung maayos at magandang tirahan. And most especially to travel kasi di ba that’s how you’ll learn

SHE'S DATING THE GANGSTER Daniel Padilla, Kathryn Bernardo PG 13

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

TROPHY WIFE Cristine Reyes, Derek Ramsay, Heart Evangelista, John Estrada R 13

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

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

R-16

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

HERCULES Dwayne Johnson R 13

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

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Elation...FFROM A1 year where they have chosen two deserving beneficiaries; Galon Elementary School and Samahan ng may iba’t ibang kakayahan ng Dabaw Gawad Kalinga Village. They have chosen students from Grade 1 to 6 in the said school to participate in a sports fest that will hap-

pen on October while the SAKADAB Gawad Kalinga Village are persons with disabilities who are in need of maintenance medicine and means of livelihood.

The party was not just like any other parties because Paragon has prepared games that party goers did enjoy.

All the winners of the game were given t-shirts sponsored by Redrock Designs and Prints, a gift pack from RDL and free pass Ateneo’s annual interdivision beach volley fest: Spikers Island 2014 that will be on September 7 this year.

Elation also opens its

doors for people to the upcoming event Ateneo has been waiting for— “Foto Modelo Ateneo Season 4: Four Flair All Dare” that will happen on September 20, 2014.

The DJs who turned up the music to its limits were DJ Big, James Ponce and Nezza Figuro.

Indeed helping has never been this fun with the Paragon Productions as many of the people who went to the event willingly supported the advocacy of the team to help and give joy to the students in Galon Elementary School and SAKADAB GK Village.

This event is supported

by D’Leonor Hotel, RDL, Redrock Designs and Prints, Cariaga Law Office and the official media partner EDGE DAVAO. Paragon Productions is the official production team of the 4th year Mass Communication students of Ateneo de Davao University.

THE HOSTS OF THE NIGHT. (left to right) Ralston San Pedro, Jemimah Pearl D’lonsod and Adrian Madronero. (mao ning naay enye)

13 ICT HUB

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Solve your taxi woes with GrabTaxi CHILL JILL

Athena Jillian Bravo

W

e all face a lot of trouble in any single day from the moment we jump off our bed and leave our comfort zones for work and one of that is bottleneck traffic. It has always been a problem not just to working urbanites but also to students who don’t want to get late to class.

Imagine time ticking away and you are standing there in the corner waiting for a taxi to come by. Worse, you realize you are not alone and there are five more waiting for a taxi.

What starts as an eternal solo contest becomes a race to the first taxi.

Another situation. You are stuck in a mall’s taxi waiting lane queuing up for a taxi that rarely drops there because of traffic and heavy rains. Good luck to you then because chances are, you might need a sleeping bag unless you decide to walk home.

In both situations, not even the “ladies-first” policy is honored. the rules of the

jungle metropolis prevails.

Luckily, someone with a brilliant mind and innovative genes has thought of coming up with a strategy to solve your taxi woes. they call this app Grabtaxi.

It is a taxi booking app that can help you look for a cab without any stress at all. this only needs data connection and of course your phone’s GPS so that the taxi driver knows

where your location is. By the time you open up the application, you will be reminded that you would have to pay a fix fee of 70 pesos on top of the metered fare. You may say that’s a lot but booking a taxi that is exclusive for you is better than competing with other passengers who are also having a hard time to get a cab on their own.

Your GPS is very important because it will

send the information of your location to all drivers that use Grabtaxi app. For sure, the one nearest to your location would be the one to fetch you up. What’s cool about this app is that it will send you the taxi driver’s picture and information which includes the plate number of the cab.

You may also press ‘Call Driver’ and have a video call with him in case it’s taking him so long or if you

want to cancel your booking with him. the app will also indicate how many minutes would it take for the driver to arrive in your location. the drivers on the other hand pay P50 for the rent of the device.

It doesn’t just help them get passengers it also helps their operator locate their whereabouts as well. You may also choose what type of cab you’d like to ride

on; Budget, Standard or Deluxe Car. In our country, Grabtaxi has already been used in Manila and Cebu and has been very helpful for those who want to take a cab on their way to the malls and the airport. this app has been by far very viral not just in Philippines but also in Singapore, thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia.

14 SPORTS

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BOLD PREDICTION Scott sees swift title for Lakers B

Yron Scott was a key component of the Los Angeles Lakers’ Showtime teams, a smooth shooting guard with sizzling competitive fire. he believes his purple-and-gold championship pedigree makes him the ideal coach to return the struggling 16-time champions to nBA contention. “this organization is all about championships, period,” Scott said tuesday at his introductory news conference. “We don’t look at Western Conference finals, Western Conference championships. We look at (nBA) championships.

And we know we have some work ahead of us, but I’m excited. ... I love challenges anyway, so this is going to be fun.”

Scott’s fellow Lakers

END OF THE ROAD? After an injury-plagued ride with the Lakers, Steve Nash is hinting at retirement.

greats are already backing that notion. Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Jamaal Wilkes surprised Scott before he was formally named the 25th coach in franchise history, standing behind him in a towering show of support.

In fact, Scott hadn’t even said a word before Magic took the microphone and praised his longtime backcourt mate.

“We wish we could put the uniform on for you and help you, but we will support you,” Johnson said.

“Congratulations to the Lakers organization. You chose the right guy.” the Lakers’ sparkling history is both the strength at Scott’s back and the specter looming over his shoulder.

SUPPORT FOR SCOTT. Former Los Angeles Lakers players from left, Jamaal Wilkes, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Byron Scott, Earvin “Magic” Johnson with general manager Mitch Kupchak pose during a news conference to introduce Scott as the new

Lakers head coach in Los Angeles Tuesday, July 29, 2014. Scott is the former head coach for New Jersey, New Orleans and Cleveland, reaching two NBA Finals with the Nets. He was the NBA’s coach of the year in 2008. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

Nash: ‘I think this is my last season’ n

oBoDY knows how Steve nash’s body will respond to the 2014-15 nBA season. We’re not even sure if Steve nash will be around for the 2014-15 nBA season, because though the move would be unlikely, the Los Angeles Lakers could waive nash by using the stretch provision, and in reaction he may choose to retire rather than move onto another team. nash has hinted at as much in the past, and on Monday he also dropped hints that the 2014-15 nBA season could be his last in the league. that’s a bit of an open secret, but it’s still a little strange and sad to hear.

“I think this is my last season,” said the 40-year-old nash in a video

posted by Sport tV. “But I still love to play, practice and work on my game. I’m going to spend hopefully many many years living this life without basketball.

It’ll be nice to play one more year.” now, that’s not exactly a confirmation, but it is close. the distinction, though, is that nash himself probably doesn’t know if this is his last season. It would appear that the final year of his $9.7 million contract, working in his adopted hometown of Los Angeles would wrap things up in a tidy bow, but the two-time MVP is still rightfully leaving his options open.

Steve has missed 99 games over the past two seasons, as a leg fracture suffered early in 2012-13 led to back, neck and nerve pain. A Grantland documentary profiled nash’s attempts to return to action for an injury-laden Lakers team last season, but nash was only able to play in spurts, unable to provide even an approximation of the dominant play that marked his turns in Dallas and Phoenix.

Blatche fitting in very well with Gilas

n

AtUrALIZeD American Andray Blatche of the Brooklyn nets in the nBA is fitting in very well with the Gilas Pilipinas national basketball team currently in a training camp in Miami, Florida as part of their preparation for the World Cup in Spain which opens in late August.

Coach Chot reyes, in an overseas conversation with the Manila Standard/ Viva Sports after practice on tuesday said Blatche was fitting in very well with his teammates and is “starting to assimilate guys playing with him.” he said Blatche was “picking up the offense very quickly and is very animated and very vocal” after only the team’s

second practice. reyes said the players are “in high spirits and the drills are very competitive.” he said they are billeted at the Marriot hotel which has “a regulated size basketball court and is the hotel where nBA road teams stay, while the gym has all the amenities and we don’t have to go out.” reyes added “everyone is fine.” he said the Philippine team will play two games against the University of Miami before leaving for a series of tune-up games in Spain. the head coach is also being assisted by former new Zealand coach thomas Anthony “tab” Baldwin.

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EDGEDAVAO

BEST BACKHAND EVER So why is coach Stefan Edberg not impressed with Federer’s backhand

r

oGer Federer’s backhand has been described as a thing of beauty and perhaps the most exquisite stroke the tennis world has seen, but his coach Stefan edberg feels his was a little better.

When asked on tuesday who possessed the better backhand, the former world number one said he would have to give himself the edge in that category.

“A lot of the other strokes I think he does a lot better than I did but I’ll give myself a bit of favour with my backhand,” edberg said on a conference call ahead of the Aug. 2-10 rogers Cup in toronto where Federer will launch his north American hardcourt season.

“I had one of the better backhands in the game when I was playing, I could use it offensively or defensively, a lot of variations. It was a key shot f o r me.”

If Federer and edberg

were to debate the matter it would surely produce the ultimate gentlemen’s argument. edberg was brought on board last December to help revive Federer’s flagging career, and the stylish Swede has proven to be the ideal complement to the Swiss maestro, both men being of similar unflustered temperament and demeanour.

During a brilliant playing career edberg used his graceful backhand to great effect helping him to six grand slam singles titles, two each at Wimbledon, the U.S. open and Australian open. the one-hander has also been a key weapon in Federer’s arsenal of shots and no player has produced better results with it than the Swiss amassing a record 17 grand slam crowns.

With more and more players opting for raw two-fisted power, the elegant one-handed backhand that Federer and

edberg helped raise to an art form is slowly going the way of the dinosaur.

While edberg rates his backhand ahead of Federer’s he is unlikely to offer any tips on how to improve that shot but the Swede has provided a lift in other areas after the former world number one struggled through a disappointing 2013 that saw him fail to reach a grand slam final for the first time since 2002.

Fit and healthy with his back troubles of last year behind him, the 32-year-old Swiss has climbed back up to number three in the rankings while collecting a pair of titles and reaching six finals, including Wimbledon where he lost another epic battle with novak Djokovic.

Federer will launch his hardcourt campaign in toronto as part of the buildup to next month’s U.S. open, where he will make a bid for an 18th grand slam title.

“As we all know roger had a really tough season last year,”

WHO’S GOT THE BEST BACKHAND? Roger Federer of Switzerland shows his lethal weapon.

said edberg, who will be inducted into the rogers tennis hall of Fame on Aug. 4. “he was struggling physically with his back but he has put in a lot of work over the last nine months, I think he is fit now and a lot better than he was in the past.

“It showed in Wimbledon, he was very, very close to winning Wimbledon. “he’s back playing some really good tennis. the way he is playing now it is as good as anyone out on the tennis court I believe.”

Ivanovic lone seeded player to win F

LAST SEED STANDING. Ana Ivanovic of Serbia returns a backhand.

iFTh-SeeDeD seed Ana Ivanovic won her first-round match in the Bank of the West Classic, defeating Sabine Lisicki of Germany 7-6 (2), 6-1 on tuesday. the former world no. 1 lost to Lisicki in three sets in their previous meeting at Wimbledon.

“My mentality has changed,” Ivanovic said.

“Sometimes just a few points make a difference and it helps to be positive in a tight situation. I did that today in the tiebreak.”

She also hired Dejan Petrovic as coach and was playing her first tournament with him.

“It was a lot of things on and off the court,” Ivanovic said of her split with nemanja Kontic following the loss to Lisicki at Wimbledon. “he helped me a lot and sometimes these decisions are very hard.”

Ivanovic has won three tournament titles on the WtA tour this season after failing to win a tournament in 2013. She owns 14 career titles.

“I don’t think like that,” she said. “When I was being introduced, I heard that I won three titles and I thought ‘I did?’ I knew I had played a lot of match-

es, so maybe I should not have been surprised.”

Ivanovic fell behind in the first set and rallied to win it in a tiebreaker.

“It was a tough first match for both of us,” Ivanovic said. “She was playing very well. In the tiebreak I thought I had to be aggressive, so I came to the net. I felt confident in doing that.” the Serbian next faces qualifier Carol Zhao, a sophomore at Stanford who was leading Yanina Wickmayer, 6-2, 1-0, when the Belgian retired because of a viral infection.

In other matches, Garbine Muguruza downed defending tournament champion and sixth-seeded Dominika Cibulkova, 6-2, 4-6, 6-2, and Monica Puig beat seventh-seeded Carla Suarez navarro, 6-3, 7-5.

“When I play someone higher in the rankings I don’t feel pressure,” said the 28th-ranked Muguruza. “I just out and play. this is a really fast court and that’s good for my game. the court helps me sometimes.”

She improved to 2-0 against the 12th-ranked Cibulkova.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. VOL. 7 ISSUE 7 ISSUE 9898 • THURSDAY, • THURSDAY, JULY JULY 31, 31, 2014 2014

MASTERING THE PUTTS. Ting Castillo (left) and partner Raul Miñoza (right) at the practice greens yesterday. Boy Lim

BEST OF BOTH WORLDS 151 teams see action as Emcor Pro-Am tees off today at Apo

By NEILWIN JOSEph L. BRAVO njb@edgedavao.net

t REFINING. Joel Yamyamin hones his drive at practice yesterday ahead of the 5th Emcor Pro-Am at the Apo Golf and Country Club. Boy Lim

he 5th emcor Davao Pro-Am Golf tournament gets off the tees today at the challenging Apo Golf and Country Club course.

Some 151 proam teams led by the top seeded pair of Juvic Pagunsan and Benjie Senining will answer today’s shotgun start at the par 72 course notorious for its distance, narrow fairways and difficult rough.

It will be curious to see how the

tandems of elmer Salvador-Jovy neri, Artemio Murakami-ton Asistio, Cassius Casas-Al rey Ceniza, ramil Bisera-Joel Yamyamin and raul Minoza-ting Castillo will also fare given their credentials on paper. that Bisera-Yamyamin duo could give the Pagunsan-Senining pair a run for their money owing to their course familiarity. the rest would be anybody’s game as the horrors of Apo and how the tournament’s gods will chart the pin placements will determine the winner of this money-rich event backed up by Samsung and LG as co-presentors and Panasonic and Kawasaki along with Apo Golf and

Country Club as major backers.

Also supporting the tournament are LVL Construction, DASIA, Malayan Insurance, Vigor, Sharp Phils., Danny Lim (Far east), Koppel, and JD Alvarado Architects. Major sponsors are CYA/Ge, MDr, MSM Mechanical Works, ADBoX, epson, Cargo Service, Kuntel Construction, Jinyi, Acer, honda Philippines, Gree, and Phoenix. other sponsors are Suzuki, Skygo, Ann eduard Ads, electrolux, VM Security, Adtel, hercules Foams, Kolin, rDV Printing, Fullspeed, tesoro’s Printing Press, Security Bank, Pluvial, Crystal Artic, tomas electrical, Kingtian, PnB Bajada, Metrobank, rCBC and Allied Bank.

120 kilometers. But the race will still have a 20-kilometer mass start from Barangay Maa going to Diversion highway and towards Brgy. Magtuod, Carmen, Biao escuela, Los Amigos, Calinan, Lacson, tamugan and Lumundao. the open elite, 23 Under and 18 Under riders will turn back after reaching Lumundao to the same route that will end also in Maa. however, the participants in the executive category will only race for 60 kms. “there will be two King of the Mountains in the race. the first is at Lumumdao and the other one is at Las terrazas,” Paholio said. the open division is a team event with each team composed of three elite riders, two 23 Under and one 17 Under. Cash priz-

es, trophies and medals are up for grabs. the event, which will serve as a pre-qualifying race for Mindanao riders to the LBC ronda Pilipinas, is organized by the Davao City Sports Consumer Cooperative (DCSCC), 94.7 news FM and 78.3 one radio network.

It is sponsored by Congressman Sid Ungab, emperador Lights Brandy, racing edge of ed Zaldivar, energy Capsule and hemroid herbal. It is sanctioned

by Philcycling and backed up by the Barangay Council of Maa and the Kabalikat Civicom Mindanao region-Davao Chapter. registration fee is P500 per rider inclusive of a jersey, packed lunch,race kit and certificate of participation. For more inquiry, contact 0932-6177838,, 09294002728 or 09125330030.

New course in KadayaJuan bikefest D

Ue to some unsafe roads, the organizers of the exciting “KadayaJuan road Bike Challenge”set on August 17 have decided to make some changes in their race route.

It will now have a total distance of only 106 kilometers according to over-all race chairman Salvador “Jun” Paholio Jr., deputy secretary general for Mindanao of Philcycling.

“Mahirap kasing pilitin yun original na rota kasi delikado dahil sa mga sirang daan lalo na doon banda sa may Buhangin,”Paholio explained. the original route had a total distance of