Edge Davao 8 Issue 162 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

VOL. 8 ISSUE 162 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015

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STRIDES FOR THE SHOE-LESS

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Foam salesman throws away shoes to run barefoot and send a marathon message By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO BAREFOOT ADVOCATE. Librado Cuya Jr. shows off his Finisher’s certificate afer completing the 21-kilometer race on barefoot. NJB

njb@edgedavao.net

IBRADO Cuya Jr. has never been a champion in all the races he has joined. On Sunday, he felt like one. The 37-year old Cuya, a salesman of a popular foam brand, threw away his running shoes and decided to run barefoot. His message is simple yet straight from the heart. “It’s for all chil-

dren who cannot afford to buy shoes, I want to be one with them.” But that’s not all. He also wanted to go natural, save on shoes, and spare the environment from burnt rubber no matter how minimal. “It feels good, it’s like having a foot massage,” Cuya said after crossing the finish line in two hours and 14 seconds for

his fourth 21-kilometer race in the annual Milo National Marathon Davao leg that began and ended at the SM Lanang Premier. It is no coincidence that the Milo race’s advocacy dubbed as “Help Give Shoes” program which started in 2010, has already distributed 50,000 pairs of shoes to indigent students nationwide. In Davao City this

year, 500 pairs were given to students of Bago Elementary School and Inawayan Elementary School. The program is in partnership with the Department of Education (Deped). For the past five years, Milo has not only produced champions in many parts of the country and in different age categories—from up and

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

coming kids to women and to the not-so-young who run to defy the physical limits. It has also brought smiles to kids from public schools in marginalized communities all over the country. “It’s an advocacy we will be keeping for as long as there is a Milo race,” said Andrew Neri, Milo sports executive.

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WIND AND SUN. A fisherman’s son uses the wind and sun to make dried “tamban” at Sta. Ana wharf yesterday. The wind-and-sun drying process usually takes two to three weeks before the dried fish is ready to be sold and eaten. Lean Daval Jr.

PULONG SEEKS HELP FOR RODY Vice mayor asks friends to support father’s presidential bid By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

abf@edgedavao.net

AVAO City Vice Mayor Paolo Z. Duterte will ask his political friends from all over the country to help his father, Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte, in his campaign

should the latter decide to run for President under the Partidong Demokaritkong Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) in the 2016 national election.

“Mangayo ta’g tabang, daghan man pud ta’g mga amigo mga liga ng barangay presidents sa Pilipnas sa Vice Mayors League (I will ask for help. I have many friends in

the association of barangay captains in the Philippines, the Vice Mayors League),” Paolo said in last Tuesday’s Pulong-Pulong ni Pulong. He said members of the

Vice Mayors League will come to Davao City on November 12 and he will take advantage of the time to get their help for his father. Paolo also said if his fa-

ther decides to accept the offer of the PDP-Laban to be its standard bearer, the mayor will have the support of the family.

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2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 162 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015

FIREFIGHTING TRAINING. Members of Task Force Davao take part in an advanced firefighting training conducted by personnel of the Bureau of Fire Protection at the compound of Task Force Davao headquarters yesterday. Residents and rescue personnel from Barangay Leon Garcia also joined the training. Lean Daval Jr.

More drug arrests this year: PRO 11

HE Police Regional Office (PRO) 11 has recorded an increase in the number of apprehensions and filing of cases against illegal drug personalities in Davao Region for this year. Speaking in yesterday’s AFP-PNP Press Corps media briefing at Task Force Davao headquarters, PRO 11 spokesperson Superintendent Antonio Rivera said the accomplishment could be attributed to the fact that all police units in the region are really serious in the fight against illegal drugs. Rivera said from the period of January to October of

this year, the PRO had a total of 1,365 cases filed in court, compared with 1,029 last year. “Sa karon intensive atong operation against illegal drugs (Right now, our operation against illegal drugs is intensive),” he said. Of the total, 910 cases were filed in Davao City, 134 in Davao del Norte, 85 in Davao del Sur, 86 in from Davao Oriental, and 150 in Compostela Valley. In last year’s record, Davao City had 586 cases filed, Davao del Norte had 125, Davao del had 110, Davao Oriental had 86, and Compostela Valley had

F MORE, 10

DCPO to identify election hotspots

HE Davao City Police Office (DCPO) has ordered all police station commanders to submit reports on the possible areas of concern in the city for the upcoming 2016 national election. Speaking in yesterday’s AFP-PNP Press Corps media briefing, DCPO spokesperson Chief Inspector Milgrace Driz said the Joint Public Safety Coordinating Council has directed police station commanders to assess the possible election hotspots in the city. “With the formulation of the council, the chairman will be the DCPO deputy director for operations (Superintendent Angel Sumagaysay), ” she said.

Driz said the council also assigned the Sta. Ana, Talomo and Toril police stations to monitor the possible hotspots since these are the big stations in the city. Driz said the assessment of the possible election hotspot is still on the process. She said the compiled reports will be submitted to the DCPO in the coming weeks. The Police Regional Office (PRO) 11 is also set to form a regional task force for a safe election in the region. PRO 11 spokesperson Superintendent Antonio Rivera said the police stations in the region have started to assess the possible areas of concern.

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Mother clears 3 soldiers of raping teen daughter By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

abf@edgedavao.net

0TH Infantry Division spokesperson Captain Rhyan Batchar yesterday said the three soldiers undergoing court martial could have a favorable decision from the commanding general of the Philippine Army after they obtained an affidavit of desistance from the alleged victim’s mother. Speaking in yesterday’s AFP-PNP Press Corps media briefing, Batchar said the mother of 14-year-old Lumad girl who was allegedly raped by the three soldiers filed an affidavit of desistance before the Davao del Norte Provincial Prosecutor’s Office on October 22, 2015. “This will have a very big

bearing on the decision on the general court martial,” Batchar said. He said the affidavit aims to withdraw the case against the soldiers, whome he he identified as Private First Class (PFC) Jeoffrey Galot, PFC Stanley Rebel, and PFC John Banilla, all of the 68th Infantry Batallion. “It is stated that the allegations were not true and the mother and the daughter were forced to sign the document,” he said, referring to the rape complaint the mother and daughter had filed last September. Batchar said according to the mother, the people who forced them to sign the original

complaint were members of the New People’s Army (NPA). Batchar’s statements, however, were contrary to the previous statements of former Police Regional Office (PRO) 11Deputy Regional Director for Operation (DRDO) Senior Superintendent Aaron Aquino who earlier confirmed that two of the soldiers – whom he identified only as “Galot” and “Daniel” – had paid the family of the victim a total of P63,200 for the dropping of the charges. Aquino had said the settlement was made in front of the barangay captain of Barangay Palma Gil in Talaingod where the victim lives. This was also admitted by 1003rd Brigade Commander

Colonel Ricardo Nepomuceno, who said the suspects paid the family but denied that they had raped the girl. When Batchar was asked whether the affidavit of complaint made by the PRO 11 on the statutory rape case was also submitted to the general court martial, he replied that he had no information on the matter. He said the proceeding on the general court martial was already done last Tuesday after the four proceedings started last week. Batchar said the decision will depend on PA commanding general Lieutenant General Eduardo Año on when he will release it.

Mylene thanks Dutertes, Ungab for accomplishments of District 2

Albano

Ungab

EP. MYLENE GARCIA-ALBANO, who’s running for her third and final term in the 2nd District of Davao City, yesterday said the accomplishments notched by her congressional district in the form of projects and social services for constituents may be attributed to the ideal working relationship she has with partymates and political allies through the years. Albano, who’s virtually un-

opposed in her current re-election bid, is thankful particularly to Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte, his son Vice Mayor Paolo “Pulong” Z. Duterte, and fellow lawmaker Rep. Isidro T. Ungab of the city’s Third District for the positive developments that happened to District 2 during the last five years of her being its congresswoman. One significant service in which the offices of the congresswoman, the city mayor

and the vice mayor collaborate oftentimes is the medical assistance program . In this program, more popularly known as the “Lingap para sa Mahihirap,” the city government, through Mayor Duterte or Vice Mayor Pulong, provides medical assistance to thousands of indigent patients in the city. In many instances, when there is still a balance left, the patients could go to the congresswoman’s office

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NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 162 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015

Poe confident to overcome all disqualification cases

ENATOR Grace Poe was elated with what transpired on Tuesday during the hearing of one of the four disqualification cases filed against her at the Commission on Election (Comelec) in connection with her presidential bid in the 2016 polls. She was confident that she would overcome the case as she had evidence to disprove the claim of the petitioner, Atty. Estrella Elamparo. “Lahat naman ng ebidensya na pinapakita namin pawang katotohanan naman. Hindi naman ini-imbento itong mga ebidensya natin kaya kumpyansa kami na tinatayuan ito,” said Poe after attending the hearing of the Comelec Second Division on the petition to disqualify and/ or deny due course to her Certificate of Candidacy (CoC). On the other hand, Lawyer George Garcia, the senator’s counsel was convinced that they were able to explain to three-man Second Division on why the petition should be

dismissed. “Confident kami kasi na-clarify namin ang mga issues at kahit paano ang mga commissioners ay naliwanagan,” he added. In her petition, Elamparo argued that Poe failed to meet the citizenship and residency requirements for candidates for president. Poe, however, admitted that she was hurt by Elamparo’s statement during the hearing that she should be considered as being “stateless” person. She was being tagged as a foundling found in a church in Iloilo in September 1968 and later adopted by actor Fernando Poe Jr. and wife actress Susan Roces. ”Of all that have been said against me, perhaps the most painful is when they said I’m stateless. Even a refugee has country of origin,” Poe said. The lady senator believed that her critics had been trying to keep her focus away from her platforms of government.

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Myanmar announces Suu Kyi won election

YANMAR’S Union Election Commission (UEC) on Wednesday announced that opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has won Sunday’s general election and was re-elected as representative to the House of Representatives (Lower House) of the next parliament. Representing her National League for Democracy (NLD), Aung San Suu Kyi, who is the party chairperson, competed in Yangon’s Kawhmu constituency mainly against rival U Kyaw Zin Hein, candidate of the ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP). The NLD fielded 1,123 candidates, while the USDP fed

1,122 in running the election. So far, the NLD has secured a total of 291 seats in three levels of the parliament including 78 in the House of Representatives, 29 in the House of Nationalities and 182 in the Region or State Parliament, according to the result released by the UEC as of Tuesday night. The USDP held 27 seats, six in the House of Representatives, two in the House of Nationalities and 19 in the Region or State Parliament. A total of 333 representatives have been elected to the parliament at three levels, according to the election result announced by the UEC as of Tuesday night. (PNA/Xinhua)

VASECTOMY TALK. A barangay health worker tries to convince a father of five children to avail himself of the free no-scalpel vasectomy of the City Health Office (CHO) in time for the celebration of World Vasectomy Day yesterday at Rizal Park. Lean Daval Jr.

AFP isn’t backing IP armed groups T

HE military vehemently denied the claim of progressive groups that it is supporting the Alamara, allegedly an anti-communist group of the indigenous peoples. Major General Rafael Valencia, commander of the 10th Infantry Battalion told reporters at the Biz Talk at Big 8 Hotel press briefing that the military supports primarily the indigenous peoples who are members of the Citizens Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU).

He stressed that these men are controlled by the Philippine Army through the cadres up to the chain of command. Valencia said the lumad ceased to become a member of any group once he becomes a member of the civilian active auxiliary, where he works in a detachment and takes orders from his higher ups. He said before an IP member becomes a militia, he works as the triber’s warrior or bagani. “Once he becomes a civil-

ian active auxiliary, he ceases to be a bagani and works with the armed forces. Valencia stressed the military does not know about the Alamara group which allegedly moves on its own. He said the military would even work for the disbandment of this group especially if they are armed, once we get the information. Valencia also welcomed the call for the soldiers to leave Talaingod, Davao del Norte. He said there are places in the region where the soldiers

Tagle visits lumads at Liwasang Bonifacio

THE SQUEEZE. Commuters have to squeeze themselves into any available space just to get a ride on a province-bound public utility vehicle fully loaded with merchandise along the national highway in Panabo City. Lean Daval Jr.

are more welcome and needed by the people. “We are willing to pull out, especially if the local government would require us to leave the place,” Valencia said. However, he stressed that before leaving Talaingod, other sectors must be consulted to avoid accusing the soldiers of abandonment of assignment. Valencia said they will pull out of the area if it is the desire of the majority of the people in Talaingod, Davao del Norte. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)

ANILA Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle visited the lumads who are camping out at the Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila Wednesday morning. With this, the head of the Archdiocese of Manila urged the government for peace to prevail in Mindanao region by ordering military troops to leave the area and demolished armed groups. “We also appeal to the military and the National Democratic Front to make these indigenous communities ‘peace zone,” he said in a statement, he read before the group, which is protesting the killings of their fellow lumads and the seizing of their villages in many areas of the region. Tagle also asked for support and compassion for these

people, who were forced to leave their communities and are now living in “evacuation areas”. “They need food, water, medicines, concern and understanding. Lets us help them and do everything we can to help them go back to their homes and to live there safely and peacefully,” he added. The Catholic prelate is also hoping that justice will prevail and all those behind the killings of lumad heads will be prosecuted. “Third, may justice prevail and those responsible for the deaths of lumads leaders will be held responsible and convicted,” he added. Tagle believed that dialogue is important in this kind of conflict to be able to come up

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4 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

Agri, sports events mark Panabo’s Binulig Festival

HE City Government hosted the 21st Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Congress with Farmers Field School last October 28, 2015 at the Panabo City Multi-Purpose Tourism Cultural and Sports Center (PCMTCSC), Brgy. J.P. Laurel, as part of the 3rd Binulig Festival. Spearheaded by the City Agriculture Office (CAGRO) in partnership with the province of Davao del Norte and Agri-Pinoy, this year’s theme: “Farmer’s Field School- A Tool Towards ASEAN Integration.” City Mayor Engr. James G. Gamao represented by Councilor Emmanuel “Mawe” Pamisaran welcomed the farmers, exhibitors and guests during the program. He congratulated them for their completion of Farmers Field School (FFS) which aims to educate farmers on efficient crop management practices

and farm development. Prior to the program was a field tour of the delegates at Cagangohan Mariculture and Organic farm at ACES, Barangay San Francisco. Meanwhile, participants from Davao del Norte have put-up their booths to showcase their agricultural products and different crops in their municipalities, including the city of Panabo. Furthermore, winner in the Folk Media category is the municipality of Sto. Tomas , other exhibitors who joined the competition were from the Municipalities of Carmen, Kapalong, Talaingod, B.E. Dujali, New Corella, Asuncion, among others. According to City Agriculturist Alejandro Mayato, “this is to improve the quality and increase the production of organic crops in the city. FFS students undergo a four to

DAVAO ORIENTAL

New beneficiaries show off their certificates of ownership

DSWD says over 17K houses turned over in ‘Pablo’ towns

PICPA Davao conducts A internal audit seminar F AGRI, 10

N SUPPORT to the national government’s thrust to upgrade internal audit capability, the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA)-Davao Chapter will sponsor a seminar workshop dubbed, “Capability Development Framework for Internal Audit & Organizational Improvement Workshop.” PICPA Davao Chapter in this endeavor is collaborating with the University of Mindanao and the UM College of Accounting Education, said local chapter president Jonas P. Mascarinas. The event will be held on November 9, 2015 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the PICPA House along Araullo Street, Davao City. This seminar workshop is designed to provide help in understanding the role of internal audit and the basis

for the profession through the International Professional Practices Framework. To be discussed are approaches that can assist in business improvement and capabilities required to achieve a world class inter-

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 162 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015

TOTAL of 17,388 houses have already been turned over to families whose homes were completely damaged in the typhoon Pablo-hit towns of Boston, Cateel, Baganga, and Caraga in the Province of Davao Oriental. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 11 said the shelter program dubbed Modified Shelter Assistance Program is now close to its target of 19,880, owing to the continuous and immediately construction of houses after the typhoon Pablo devastation in 2012. Funded by the DSWD and facilitated by the Provincial Government, these housing units have already benefited majority of the affected families who lost their homes due to the typhoon. During the latest batch of turnover of houses to 456 beneficiaries in Boston, Cateel and Baganga, the DSWD 11 through its Social Welfare and Development Officer Gemma dela Cruz lauded the efforts of

the Provincial Government for the quick implementation of the massive housing program. She highlighted Davao Oriental as one of the most efficient province in the country in terms of disaster rehabilitation, particularly in permanent shelter provision. In fact, Davao Oriental’s Building Back Better Program has now become the model in the entire country in terms of disaster response and rehabilitation. She added that despite the limited resources, the Provincial Government managed to provide beneficiaries houses that are equipped with the basic features of a home, such as a comfort room, electrification, water, and drainage system. In addition, the houses were also built with a ceiling and exterior wall painting – features that are not covered in the initial core house plan. Residents extended their thanks to the Provincial Government along with its partners who provided them assistance at the time of their dire need. They say that the

housing program helped not only in providing shelter but as well as in sanitation practices considering that houses are equipped with its own comfort rooms. Meanwhile, dela Cruz also addressed several issues in terms of the implementation of shelter assistance. First, she emphasized that only P10,000 Emergency Shelter Assistance was given to each family with partially damaged homes, in contrary to the claims of some groups here that it was P30,000. “The P10,000 aid was clearly stated in the Memorandum of Agreement signed by DSWD Regional Director Priscila Razon and Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon – whom the Sangguniang Panalalawigan had previously authorized to enter into the said MOA signing,” she stressed. Furthermore, she also reminded beneficiaries of their counterpart to take good care of their house and not to sell it as it will be their legacy to their family and to their children. At the turnover ceremony,

Governor. Malanyaon congratulated the beneficiaries who are now proud homeowners. She urged them to continue their support to the various development programs of the Provincial Government, particularly on the emerging eco-tourism development in their areas that holds the promise of further local economic improvement. Gracing the turnover ceremony are Board Member Niño Uy and First District Representative Nelson L. Dayanghirang. For his part, Cong. Dayanghirang lauded the efforts of the Provincial Government under the leadership of Gov. Malanyaon. Complementing the governor’s eco-tourism projects, Dayanghirang reported the nearing completion of the road networks linking Davao Oriental towns to the boundary of the neighboring Compostela Valley Province. He also vowed that he will continue to back the thrusts of the present administration and will continue to pour support to the typhoon Pablo-affected towns. By KLD/ Photo by Eden Jhan Licayan

velopment in the area. He thanked Tagum Coop for maintaining the growth of trees and not leaving behind the area it adopted. The proposed park will be further developed and is ex-

pected to be next on the city’s list of top tourist spots to be showcased to DENR executives when they come to Tagum. Tagum Cooperative Chairperson Norma R. Pereyras, who personally came to the

activity, said the city government’s move was a welcome progress that acknowledged the efforts of Tagum Coop. Pereyras was joined by Board of Directors (BOD) Vice-chairperson Monica L. Salido and Directors Edgardo T. Silagan and Nenita R. Malbas, along with Atty. Mylene Baura (Ethics Committee Vice-chairperson) and several management staff in the Tree Planting activity. Youth members and TC scholars also took part in the activity alongside with their parents and teacher-coordinators who actively planted the seedlings. According to Lourence T. Caga-anan, the Community and Development Program Coordinator, exactly 245 seedlings were planted near the

banks of the Accretion Area. The number of trees planted added to the hundreds and thousands of Malibago and Narra trees first planted, replanted, and grown around the 5-hectare land. A caretaker was also hired since the time the site was adopted to monitor the growth of the trees and ensure that no animals enter within the protected lot. In line with the 7th Cooperative Principle, Concern for the Community and Environment, Tagum Cooperative’s Tree Planting and Growing Program in partnership with LGU Tagum and Barangay Officials of Pandapan has now gone far and wide attracting the attention of local and national entities. (Tagum Cooperative)

Tagum Coop’s tree-planting site to be turned into park

AGUM CITY – The tree planting site in Barangay Pandapan adopted by Tagum Cooperative since 2011 will be transformed into a park, Engineer Ronie Nino Uy of the City Environment

and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) said. Speaking during the Tree Planting and Replanting Activity on October 31, Uy revealed the plan of Tagum City and CENRO after observing big de-

5 ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 162 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015

P1B to conserve Agus River By CHENEEN R. CAPON crc@edgedavao.net

HE Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and other stakeholders in the Agus River basin in Lanao provinces will implement projects and programs worth P1 billion to conserve Agus River, one of the two sources of water supply for Mindanao’s largest hydropower plant. “One of the programs for the Agus Riverbasin will involve mostly of reforestation of the area which will be also participated by the private sectors within the area,” MindaNOW! Nurturing Our Waters Program coordinator Rolando Pinsoy said. Aside from reforestation, private stakeholders together with MinDA and the Department of Environment and Natural resources (DENR) River Basin Control Office will also implement the capacity building and skills training as well as the establishment of the river basin augmentation. Pinsoy said the allocation is part of the integrated natural resource and river basin management program of the agency. Meanwhile, more than 250 river basin stakeholders from all regions in Mindanao convened in the two-day First Mindanao River Bsin Organi-

zation (RBO) Conference that started yesterday in a bid to strengthen the management of the island-region’s river basins. The two-day event in the Grand Regal Hotel will provide the primary platform in streamlining river basin management mechanisms in Mindanao, the MinDA said. “This will be the gathering of experts, river basin managers, local chief executives, representatives of key government agencies and international development partners with the end-goal of sharing knowledge and innovative ideas on river basin management,” MinDA secretary Luwalhati Antonino said. Antonino said the agreement to form RBOs was done in 2012 during the 1st MindaNOW! Program Summit that highlighted the challenges, potentials and strategic locations of the river basins. Mindanao has eight major river basins, namely the Agus River Basin, Cagayan de Oro River Basin, Tagoloan River Basin, Agusan River Basin, Mindanao River Basin (MRB-Cotabato), Tagum-Libuganon River Basin, Davao River Basin and Buayan-Malungan River Basin. The two largest river

FIX-UP. Employees of an RTW store along San Pedro Street fix themselves while waiting for the establishment to open yesterday. Lean Daval Jr. basins in Mindanao are the Agusan River Basins in Caraga Region and the MRB-Cotabato. Pinsoy said most of these river basins have already its master plan. Meanwhile, Antonino said at the end of the two-day conference, river basin managers are expected to be able to understand the complex linkages

between forest, watersheds, and a sustainable water supply that will help them in performing their functions when they get back to their home base. With the theme “Strengthening Partnership for Dynamic River Basins in Mindanao,” the conference also aims to promote cooperation and long-

term relationships among the river basin stakeholders. Apart from knowledge sharing and sharing of best practices, the conference will also highlight a gallery of knowledge products and photo exhibits from the Mindanao RBOs. The gallery was unveiled yesterday.

RBOs are umbrella organizations for basin-wide water resources management and are organized to promote cooperation and resolve conflict within a trans-boundary river basin. RBOs perform a number of functions including development plans and policies for regional natural resources management and planning.

6 THE ECONOMY

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Phl to develop new rubber clone By CHENEEN R. CAPON

crc@edgedavao.net

HE Philippines will soon develop another rubber clone following the start of operation of the Philippine Rubber Research Institute (PRRI) in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay this year, an official said. “We can now expect that soon the Philippines would be able to develop a sequel to USM – the only Philippine clone developed by Dr. Romulo Cena of the University of Southern Mindanao (USM),” Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) undersecretary Zenaida Maglaya said during

the two-day Philippine Rubber Investment and Market Encounter 2015 at the SMX Davao Convention Center . The PRRI was established under the provision of Republic Act 10069 authored by Rep. Dulce Ann Hofer. “The industry is now pinning its for a strong and institutionalized research and development (R&D) that would allow our rubber producers easier access to reliable source of high yielding clones and to new and more innovative farm management system and production tech-

CARD’s microinsurance provider covers 12.3-M Filipinos in Q3

HE microinsurance membersofCARD Mutual Benefit Association (CARD MBA) roseto 12.3 million Filipinos nationwide this quarter, which is twenty-one per cent higher comparedto the same quarter last year. “The significant increase means more families are now securing their household in times of uncertainties such as calamities and disasters,” shared CARD MBA General Manager May Dawat. According to the report of the Department of Finance (DoF), the microinsurance coverage in the Philippines increased from 20% in 2012 to 28.1% in 2014, which is the highest among Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member economies. General Manager Dawat is overwhelmed with its significant contribution to the country’s financial inclusion goals. “By establishing a stable and secured future for every Filipino families we can make financial inclusion a reality,” GM Dawat added. With the given increase, CARD MBA opened fivenew Provincial Offices (POs) in ZamboangaSibugay, Nueva Ecija, Negros Occidental, Oriental Mindoro and in National Capital Region (NCR) to be closer to the communities. Provincial Offices facilitate more immediate services to the members of the communities which CARD serves. To date, CARD MBA has 50 provincial offices strategically located nationwide. “In line with the growing number of CARD clients, we also have to increase our staffing and continue to invest on microinsurance system to further improve our data control system,” said GM Dawat. The microinsurance system of CARD MBA is developed by CARD MRI Information Technology (CMIT), a member institution of CARD MRI, to help CARD MBA efficiently cater to the millions of members. Other noted accomplishment of CARD MBA this quarter is the increase of insured clients under the Golden Life

Insurance Program (GLIP). GLIP is an optional program for CARD clients to continue their insurance coverage after the CARD MRI Mandatory Exit Age of 70 years old. According to GM Dawat, members who will avail the insurance will be insured up to 100 years old. The product, which was launched late last year, already covered 1,073 members. “The number of our members for retirement this year is 1,109. We are close to reachingout to all of them this year, through our GLIP caravans. I think this is a breakthrough product for the clients because this will give them something to lean on until their golden years,” GM Dawat added. GM Dawat also highlighted their 97% accomplishment in terms of 1-3-5 Day Target scheme for claims settlement. The said scheme is CARD MBA’s claim settlement model, which process and settle claims within one day and a maximum of five days. “Too, our partnership also with National Statistics Office helped a lot in accomplishing this target in relation to document completion,” lauded GM Dawat adding that their members feel comfortable now in processing their NSO related documents. To date, CARD MBA already processed 2,558 NSO documents since its partnership in 2013. Meanwhile, it is also worthy to note that CARD MRI is currently supporting 2,571 scholars nationwide and looking forward to having these scholars be active participants of CARD’s goal to eradicate poverty in the country. Dr. Jaime Aristotle B. Alip, the founder and managing director of CARD MRI, also disclosed that in five years, CARD MRI plans to reach eight million Filipino families and insure 40 million assuming an average of five (5) members per household. CARD MBA is the microinsurance arm of CARD MRI, which is a social development organization that aims for poverty eradication in the country.

nology,” Maglaya said. The PRRI, headed by interim executive director Rodolfo L. Galang, can team up with the rubber research team of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)- Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) who has been relentlessly undertaking research work on rubber in partnership with academe like USM, University of the Philippines-Los Baños, Central Mindanao university (CMU), Western

Mindanao State University (WMSU), Jose Rizal Memorial State University (JRMSU),among others. Compared to other rubber producing countries like Malaysia that has 49 clones of natural rubber, the Philippines has only one clone developed in USM by Dr. Cena. Cena, in an article published in the 2nd PRIME 2015, said USM 1 is observed during the experimentation “to have above average budding success in the nursery and grows very fast during the immaturity period.”

“USM can easily be identified morphologically by its obovate to elliptical green smooth laminae. Leaflets are separated with straight petioles which are fairly open and well separated leaf storey.” Maglaya said it would take years for the Philippines to develop another high yield clone of natural rubber as there were still clones that can be collected throughout the country Dr. Abdul Aziz Bin S.A. Kadir, secretary general of International Rubber Research and Development Board ,

said there still room for development of new rubber clones since there are still clones that can be collected in other parts of the country. He said development of new clones would take more than 30 years, but the long history of research on the development of rubber industry in other producing countries like Malaysia and Thailand would benefit Philippine’s growing rubber industry because it will be able to receive technology and clone exchange with other countries.

AGRI PRODUCTSD. Participants from Davao del Norte and Panabo City put up booths to showcase agricultural products and different crops from their municipalities during the 3rd Binulig Festival.

AboitizPower welcomes SC order nullifying Naga Power Plant sale A

BOITIZPOWER subsidiary Therma Power Visayas, Inc. (TPVI) welcomed the order of the Supreme Court (SC) nullifying the notice of award of the 153.1-MW Naga Power Plant in Cebu to Salcon Power Corporation (SPC). “While we have not received the official notice regarding the Supreme Court’s decision, we are pleased with

this development as this supports a transparent and fair bidding process that encourages open competition,” AboitizPower business unit head Benjamin A. Cariaso, Jr said in a press statement. Cariaso said the company believed that the “TPVI won the bid.” “Had TPVI not participated, the government would have sold its asset at a much

lower price,” Cariaso added. In a 19-page decision, the SC nullified the notice of award of the Naga Power Plant in Cebu to SPC. Based on an earlier report, the third division of the higher court said the SPC’s right to top under its land lease agreement (LLA) was void “for lack of valued interest or right to the object over which the right of first refusal is to be exer-

cised.” The SC pointed out that the property subject of the right of first refusal is outside of the leased premises covered by the LLA, the report added. The Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (PSALM) held the first bidding for the Naga Power Plant in 2013. The first two rounds were

HE Department of Agriculture (DA) will propose for an additional loan and grant package of around US$ 450 million from the World Bank (WB) for the expansion of the flagship Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP). Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said Wednesday they are currently working on a proposal for the fresh financing, which is mainly aimed to ensure the continuous implementation of the project.

He said the PRDP, which only started late last year, was supposed to be implemented in six years but its current funding of US$ 508.25-million or roughly P27.5 billion has already been fully subscribed or committed to various sub-projects. “The project’s absorption capacity is quite fast that its present funding will only last until next year. That’s the reason why we signified our intention to get additional financing for another cycle,” he

said in a press conference here. Alcala said he will meet with project implementers and representatives of concerned government agencies before the end of the year to finalize the request for additional financing. The funding request will require the concurrence of the National Economic and Development Authority and other agencies before it will be submitted to WB. “We’re targeting its approval by the bank early next

year,” he said. Alcala expressed confidence that WB will grant the request for additional funding due to their “fast and transparent” implementation of the project. He said that based on the latest assessment made by bank representatives, the PRDP’s rollout is so far considered as among the fastest in the world. “The PRDP achieved the fastest takeoff by a World Bank

F ABOITIZ, 10

DA seeks additional US$ 450M for PRDP T

F DA, 10

7 BIGGER PICTURE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 162 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015

APEC

Women by the Numbers T

HE Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2015 Summit hosted by the Philippines has highlighted the need for its 21 member economies to boost women’s participation in the region’s economy. With this year’s APEC theme of “Building Inclusive Economies, Building a Better World”, President Benigno S. Aquino III said during the APEC Women and the Economy (WE) Fora here in August that “harnessing the talents and potential of all women can bring about inclusive progress sooner rather than later”. Likewise, the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC), the voice of the business community in Asia Pacific, has been actively supporting the region’s initiatives for gender equality and women empowerment that will contribute to sustainable growth with equity among member economies. To understand women’s status in the region and the forum’s initiatives to enhance their economic participation, here are 10 key figures about APEC women:

• USD 47 billion

According to the United Nations (UN), the APEC region loses around USD 47 billion in output each year due to lack of women’s participation in labor markets.

• USD 89 billion

On the other hand, the UN also estimated that US$ 89 billion can be gained by the APEC region annually when barriers to women’s economic participation are eliminated. Most of these hurdles faced by women are social, legal, financial and educational barriers.

• 59 percent

Of APEC’s female population aged 15 or older, 59 percent was economically active between 2005 and 2013.

• 60 percent

The APEC WE Dashboard 2015 shows that 60 percent of women among member economies do not have savings accounts.

• 11.7 percent

World Bank data shows that only 11.7 percent of women aged 15 and older in APEC had borrowed money from a financial institution.

• 65.3 percent

Small and medium enterprise (SME) trainings to women increased to 65.3 percent in 2012. This means women in APEC are getting more training opportunities on areas relating to SME development either through governmental or non-governmental programs.

• 85 percent

As APEC now has more access to technology, consumers are more engaged to e-commerce with 85 percent of purchasing decisions coming from women.

• 20 to 30 years old

Ages between 20 and 30 are most crucial for women. ABAC Chair Doris Magsaysay-Ho said in one of the APEC meetings in Cebu that this is the period when women in the workforce more likely set off career track because of important choices whether freely or forcibly made like to get married, to raise children, to care for elderly parent, or a combination of these.

• 2015-2018

To harness women economic participation in Asia Pacific, the APEC WE Fora came up with Strategic Plan 2015-2018 with key focus on access to capital; access to markets; capacity building, health, and leadership; technology and innovation; voice and agency.

• 1996

It was during the first APEC hosting of the Philippines in 1996 that member economies founded the Women’s Senior Leaders Network which called APEC leaders and ministers to put emphasis for the full participation of women and youth in economic cooperation agenda. (PNA)

EDGEDAVAO

8 VANTAGE

VOL. 8 ISSUE 162 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015

EDITORIAL True mark of a man

IRTUALLY all family planning methods are centered on the woman and her perceived primary role in making sure she does not get pregnant. These methods can be as simple as taking the pill regularly, or more involved ones like hormone injections and intrauterine devices, or the very invasive tubal ligation which, despite many men’s naive notions, actually requires surgery. In all these, it is the woman who bears the burden of contraception, and any failure — that is, any pregnancy — is thus blamed on her. It is as if bearing children is her work alone, and the task of preventing pregnancy belongs to her exclusively. Philippine society may be more gender-fair than many others, but in terms of birth control we are virtually still living in the dark ages. The truth is that birth control is as much a man’s duty as a woman’s, and there is a way in which a male can prove his manhood by taking on the responsibility fully, unequivocally, and with no requirement on this partner whatsoever. And with the recent advances in medical technology, this method does not even require any form of surgery, major or otherwise. The word “vasectomy” may make many men cringe, but it is actually a simple procedure that takes only about 15 minutes and does not hurt a bit. There is already such a thing as no-scalpel vasectomy which, as its

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name suggests, does even not involve an incision. All it takes is a small puncture, one that heals in a matter of days. In fact, a man who undergoes this procedure can actually walk out of the clinic with only a little discomfort as the after-effect. Compare this with tubal ligation which is invasive and from which a woman takes weeks to recover. There is really no contest: for a couple that does not want to have any more children, a vasectomy is the easiest solution. And yet according to the City Health Office (CHO), this year only 55 men availed themselves of the no-scalpel vasectomy it offers for free. Much of the reason has to do with the fear that a vasectomy could affect their sexual performance, which is certainly not true (the puncture is made on the scrotum). Also, many men feel it is an attack on their maleness if their private parts are “modified” in any way. In other words, the reason few men undergo vasectomy is misinformation, a state of affairs that the World Vasectomy Day, celebrated every November 13, seeks to change. It is important to disabuse the minds of men that vasectomy lessens their manhood; indeed, nothing is more manly than bearing the burden that would otherwise have been borne by his partner.

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EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE POINTS

On hypocrisy

E’D probably frown on a chain smoker who tells his kids not to smoke because it’s bad for the health and be disgusted with his hypocrisy. The nerve of him trying to discourage other people from a bad habit that he himself couldn’t quit! Right now we are quick to dismiss hypocrites. And why shouldn’t we? Why should we believe a person with no moral ascendancy, or a person who does not practice what he/ she preaches? Heck, people who go to Church and ask for God’s forgiveness sin again after the mass is over. We all despise that, but at varying degrees and at different points, we are or have become guilty of hypocrisy. That’s because we’re humans and very prone to making mistakes. But disgusted feelings aside, is there some merit to being a hypocrite? Should we believe or at least consider what a hypocrite is saying? Boldly preaching a value or an idea that you yourself don’t follow

“I

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can come from an MY MILLENNIAL MIND experienced perspective. If you look at it, it’s pretty admirable for Vanessa Kate Madrazo a chain smoker to discourage his children from ever smoking because he himself knows how addictive and destructive it becomes. In fact, it’s the better thing he can do rather than the alternative which is to tolerate it if the children do smoke or far worse to encourage them. That goes the same for a college dropout to tell his/her friend to study well and not vandalize and skip classes because most probably, that person is filled with regret for doing it himself. But how about priests and teach-

ers? They like to preach about good values like being polite or being kind to the poor, or being honest, but you eventually find out that these same people you supposedly look up to are also liars and hypocrites. It’s even in the news that some bishops and priests are involved in sex scandals, or that some school officials are corrupt. The timeliest example are the politicians, many of whom are running for election, who despise graft and corruption but are entangled in multiple cases of mismanagement and embezzlement of funds and falsification of documents. What they did was the exact opposite of what they were teaching people, which implies that they don’t really believe what they’re telling other people to do. Is there a point in listening to them? Horrible role models as they are, their ideas, however, aren’t necessarily wrong. Being kind to the poor, or respecting other people, their pri-

vacy, their dignity – these things are morally right regardless of who’s saying it. And stealing taxpayers’ money is morally wrong regardless of the actions of the one saying it. What this proves is that hypocrites aren’t necessarily wrong just because they do not follow the values they claim to uphold. That doesn’t mean that hypocrisy is a good thing, too. That’s a gray area. But we shouldn’t be quick to dismiss these values as wrong just because the person who said it is not practicing them. Having said that, hypocrisy is pretty normal but that doesn’t mean we should tolerate it. By all means, we should call it out, or we should try to change our habits and gain the moral high ground so that people can look up to us. There is a point in doing this because we have a capacity to influence the people who are close to us and who surround us. Making mistakes is one thing. Recognizing that but not doing anything about it is another.

administraMY TWO CENTS’ tion is not as warm as our legislators to lower the income tax rates just yet. M a n y have warned John Tria us of the adecisouth@gmail.com verse impact high income tax rates will have on our talented professionals, as many of them will eventually be allowed the privilege of working in Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore, even Indonesia with an integrated ASEAN economy, and loads of them can fly freely and cheaply to and from home thanks to budget airlines. Already, the return of Cebu Pacific to serve the Davao-Singapore route has made working in Singapore and neighboring Johor, Malaysia, a cost effective alternative to working in Manila. Few people know that it only costs 29 Singapore dollars or 1,000 pesos for a four-hour bus ride from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, about the same cost

and distance for the same bus ride from Manila to Naga city, only faster due to the speedway. Thus, if you live in Davao, you can come home every two weeks for roughly the same cost it does to work in Manila. Why brave Manila’s high costs, traffic, and politics when you can work for higher pay and less taxes in Malaysia and Singapore? What will be lost is the multiplier effect on the local economy the Filipino professional will bring to other Asean countries. If they live abroad, the local economies will benefit from the sale of food, clothing, and other opportunities to meet the need of these Filipino expatriates. Let’s face it, the current drive at generating revenue for the government is meant to impress the foreign donor community and shore up the governments credit rating. The recent increase to investment grade of the Philippine sovereign debt is largely due to the fact that government’s capacity to earn and save more has increased under PNoy. Government is still the biggest enterprise, spender, and employer in

the Philippines. How much money is made, and how it spends this money, has its effect on the larger economy. Earn a lot and spend too little and the economy slows, earn little and spend little and you have the Erap regime that barely kept us afloat in the aftermath of the Asian financial crisis in the late 1990s. What matters at this point is creating the sustainable economy where excess incomes can be channeled to responsible investments. The balance between revenue and spending on vitals like infrastructure therefore becomes the push that increases an economy’s capacity to sustain and strengthen itself, as private enterprises will utilize the roads, bridges, telecommunication facilities, marketplaces and other public goods that make trading and investment, employment and opportunity grow even further. That’s why the tax effort as a measure of economic performance is a vital metric to gauge a country’s economic performance. Its time we take note of how much we are taxed, and how much our taxes is spent.

About income taxes and Pinoy professionals

f you drive a car, I’ll tax the street/If you try to sit, I’ll tax your seat/If you get too cold I’ll tax the heat/If you take a walk, I’ll tax your feet.” The Beatles 1966 ditty was the opening single on the seminal Revolver album. Written by George Harrison, the song is a social commentary on the high progressive tax regime implemented by the then-Labour government under former Prime Minister Harold Wilson. Nonetheless, it remains relevant when people feel discontent about taxation. A whole lot nowadays is heard about income taxes in the Philippines, not the least of which is to call lower income tax rates to be at par with the lower income tax rates of our ASEAN neighbors. At 32% of income, our Philippine tax rates are almost twice as high as those of Singapore and higher than other ASEAN neighbors. Add to this the higher internet, electricity, and food costs and the Filipino professional is heavily weighed down by costs compared with their ASEAN counterparts. Bills have been filed to lower this rate, and the PNoy

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“Siyempre, kinsa man diay among suportahan ang katong tuwid o ang pandak? Didto na lang mi sa among amahan (Which candidate will we support, the straight one [Mar Roxas] or the dwarf [Vice President Jejomar Binay]? We’ll go with our father),” he said. Duterte has consistently rejected calls for him to run for President. He filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) for mayor on October 15, to the disappointment of his supporters.

But last Sunday, Duterte said he “might just decide to run as president” if the Filipino people continue to be oppressed, especially with the “tanim-bala” scam at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). While he has already filed his COC for mayor, there is a chance for Duterte to run for President: by substituting for erstwhile PDP-Laban standard bearer Martin Diño, who has already withdrawn his candidacy and asked Duterte to step in.

122. The filing of cases came from the 1,064 total number of operations, which is higher than the 743 last year during the same period. Of the total operations this year, Davao City had 586 (from 419 last year), Davao del Norte had 176 (from 117 last year), Davao del Sur had 87 (from 86 last year), Davao Oriental had 63 (from 48 last year), and Compostela Valley had 152 (from 72 last year). Most of the operations came from buy-bust operations with a total of 583 (from 422 last year), followed by search warrant with 221 (from 63 last year), police response with 207 (from 218 last year), and arrested through checkpoints with 47 (from 31 last year). The PRO 11 also recorded 1,486 total number of arrest for this year, higher than last year’s 1,096. Rivera, however, said the value of drugs confiscated

this year dropped to P53.08 million from P414 million last year. This was due to the recover of 65, 285 grams of cocaine found in the shipyard of Sumfru in Bunawan which had an estimate value of P500 million. “Nakita nato na ang nagbaba lang is ang amount na na-confiscate as compared last kay naa man ta’y na-recover na cocaine last year kay taas man ang value sa cocaine (We see there that only the amount of confiscate drugs dropped because last year we recovered cocaine which had a high value),” he said. The regional police recovered a total of 6,100 grams of shabu this year from all police offices in the region, which is higher than the 2,722.68 grams last year. A total of 63, 464 grams of Marijuana were also confiscated, which is higher than the 57, 506.41 grams last year. ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

declared failed bids as only one bidder, SPC, showed up. TPVI joined the third round and won with a bid of Php1.089 billion, higher than SPC’s bid of only PhP859 million. SPC however exercised the right-to-top, and was hastily issued a Notice of Award (NOA) by PSALM despite the unanswered issues and

the Supreme Court (SC) case questioning the validity of the right-to-top provision. Meanwhile, the SPC Power Corp. (SPC), formerly Salcon Power Corp., is planning to file a motion for reconsideration on decision of the SC on its decision to nullify the sale of the 153.1-MW Naga Power Plant in Cebu. (CHENEEN R. CAPON with PR)

project of its magnitude in the whole world,” he said. The PRDP, which was launched in October last year, is an upscale version of the Mindanao Rural Development Program that ended in December 2014. It is a six-year rural development program implemented by DA that was designed to achieve an inclusive, value chain-oriented and climate-resilient agriculture and fisheries sector. The project components are the I-BUILD component or the Intensified Building-Up of Infrastructure and Logistics for Development and the I-REAP or the Investments in Rural Enterprises and Agriculture and Fisheries Productivity. Its first-ever sub-project implemented under the infrastructure component is the

P213.9-million farm-to-market road in Isulan town in Sultan Kudarat. The project launched earlier this year the P39-million cassava granules production and marketing project of the Polo Samahang Nayon Multipurpose Cooperative based in Polomolok town in South Cotabato as its pilot initiative under the I-REAP component. As of October 23, the PRDP already approved a total of 190 projects worth P11.37 billion under the I-BUILD component. An additional 349 sub-projects worth P27.2 billion are in the pipeline and undergoing processing. Under the I-REAP, the PRDP so far approved 11 sub-projects worth P91.02 million and 107 others worth P1.32 billion are in the pipeline. (PNA)

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 162 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015

MORE CASES. Police Regional Office (PRO) 11 spokesperson Superintendent Antonio Rivera (left) says PRO 11 has recorded an increase in number of apprehensions and filing of cases against anti-illegal drug offenders in Davao Region

for this year. Rivera was joined by Captain Ryan Batchar, spokesperson of the 10 Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, during yesterday’s AFP-PNP Press Corps media forum at Task Force Davao headquarters. Lean Daval Jr.

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“The station commanders will assess their area of jurisdiction to know what place would be included in the election watch list,” he said. Rivera said the PRO 11

next week will also coordinate with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for the assessment of possible election hotspots. ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

with a solution on the problem being faced by the indigenous in southern part of the country. “We need to sit down, talk and to help each other in ensuring the real solution on the condition of our brothers in

Mindanao,” he said. The Cardinal also assured that it is not the Archdiocese of Manila that is supportive of the group’s cause but also other bishops and parishes all over the country. (PNA)

”What I’m fighting here is to create opportunities to help other people,” she said. Poe said as early as 2005, she has already expressed intention to return to the Philippines. ”I have already sold our house in the United States, my children have enrolled here, we bought lot here, and my interview in 2005 where I said that I’m already leaving here,” Poe said. She insisted that it was an honest mistake when she stated in her certificate of candidacy for senator in 2013 that six years and six months in the space provided for period of residence in the Philippines before the May 13, 2013 elections. Poe’s camp claimed the senator and her family permanently resided in the Philippines after the death of her father, FPJ, in 2004. On his client’s residency issue, Garcia noted that it was intentional but an “honest mistake” on what was indicated in the CoC of Poe when she ran for senator in the May 2013 polls. ”We admitted that we committed mistake but we did not lie. It was honest mistake,

we have no intention to commit mistake,” Garcia said. “The admission na nagkamali sa CoC, hindi perjury. To constitute perjury, dapat you lied to be qualified. E nagkamali sa six years and six months,” the lawyer added. Poe indicated in her COC in the 2013 polls that she was a resident of the country for “six years and six months”. Elamparo argued that based on what was indicated in her CoC, by the May 2016 polls, Poe was a resident of the Philippines only for more than nine years, which is short of the 10-year residency requirement to run for president. p>Garcia said they were hoping that the Comelec would decide in favor of Poe, who is actually facing five disqualification cases, including the first one filed by 2013 losing senatorial candidate Rizalito David at the Senate Electoral Tribunal (SET). Aside from Elamparo, the other three petitions against Poe were filed by former Sen. Francisco Tatad, De La Salle University (DLSU) Professor Antonio Contreras, and former University of the East (UE) Law dean Amado Valdez. (PNA)

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for additional assistance. Another example of positive coordination is the implementation of infrastructure projects, particularly road concreting. There have been instances in the second district when the city government through the mayor undertakes concreting of a particular road section, then the congresswoman would continue where the city’s project ends. Vincent J. Garcia, younger brother of Mylene who had served as congressman of the district for nine years, confirmed the two instances cited above, saying that they are just some of the advantages when congressmen and the occupant of city hall are allies. Congresswoman Mylene also thanked fellow lawmaker Sid Ungab, chairman of the powerful House committee on appropriations, for providing multi-million budget allocations for certain infrastructure projects in her district. Foremost of these projects is the Lampianao Bridge

and approaches connecting the two districts costing some P75 million. This is a local infrastructure program (RLIP) project implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) regional office under Regional Director Mariano R. Alquiza. The contractor is Monolithic Construction and Concrete Products, Inc. with a 30.16-percent accomplishment. Other high impact projects funded by the House approproations committee are the electrification of Meycawayan in the 3rd district and Cabonbon, part of Malabog in the 2nd district; the P50-million flood mitigation structures and drainage system (FMSD) of La Verna Hills subdivision; and the multi-million road to Callawa from the Lacson-Lamanan. “With Sid Ungab’s help, electrification has now reached Butay, a sitio of Tapak, which is the farthest barangay of Paquibato District,” the lady lawmaker said. AMA

five-hour learning session every week for 16 consecutive weeks to study different crops in the city and about land preparation, crop planting, harvesting and post-harvesting”, he added. Also present during the program were Regional Director, Department of Agricul-

ture-RFO XI Engr. Remelyn R. Recoter, CESO IV, Provincial Agriculturist Anastacia Notarte, Ph.D., from Thailand Education Foundation Marut Jatiket, Pepresentative of Governor Rodolfo Del Rosario, Board Member Ernesto Evangelista and other stakeholders. (Cio-Panabo/Jasz)

nal audit function, according to Mascarinas. The resource speaker for this seminar is Bob McDonald. He has 30 years of extensive experience in governance, risk management, and internal audit. His strong volunteerism and dedication in the Accounting profession has earned him

the Order of Australian Medal (OAM) and the Victor V Brink Award for Distinguished Service to the Institute of Internal Auditors. For inquiries contact Liza or Inah of PICPA Davao through landline tel. # 082221-2300/ telefax 082-3056081.

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INdulge!

VOL. 8 ISSUE 162 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015

EDGEDAVAO PEOPLE

A taste of Project Hearth SIBLINGS Celina and Alex Le Neindre cook up something delicious for Manila gourmands. The mere mention of Alex and Celine’s family name will definitely give you the cravings. The Le Neindre family is widely known for their long-standing restaurant named after their patriarch, Chef Claude, who, for two decades now, has delighted Dabawenyos and tourists with his gourmet cooking inspired by his French lineage. With the combination of their mom’s business acumen and father’s creativity, the oldest and youngest of the Le Neindre brood grew up knowing the rudiments of a hospitality business and inherited their parent’s entrepreneurial skills and culinary inclinations. With no less than THE Chef Claude as their mentor, the children naturally found their connection and passion in the F&B world and have gone from junior apprentices to successful professionals in their own league. Celina, the eldest child, graduated from Center for Culinary Arts Manila in 2004, and had her OJT at the Intercontinental Hotel under Chef Cyrille Soenen, the Executive Chef. She then went on to the south of France to work from the bottom up, just like her dad, with experiences in different positions in the kitchen, as well as the front of the house with hotels, resorts and restaurants, such as The Martinez in Cannes, Ermitage du Riou in La Napoule, Monte Carlo Bay Hotel in Monaco, and Le Beaurivage Palace in Lauseanne. Upon her return to Davao, she opened a small French Italian restaurant called Farfalla Pasta Bar, and ran it for almost three years before deciding to head back to Manila to pursue other opportunities. Apart from her modeling stints and other consultancy projects, she is also a brand ambassador for Don Papa Rum. The youngest, Alex, graduated from The International School of Culinary Arts and Ho-

tel Management in 2013, under Norbert Gandler, and got an OJT at Aubergine French Bistro, in The Fort BGC. After which, he went home to Davao and started helping out in the kitchen of Claude’s Cafe. The two are now busy in Manila with their joint venture called Project Heart, their own brand of essences and mixes which will be launched on November 14 and 15, during the second edition of the Spectrum Fair, one of Manila’s biggest holiday exhibits featuring curated labels and artisan products. Project Hearth is a creative collaboration by this brother and sister chef tandem who wants to reintroduce and highlight traditional French cuisine using local produce. Its lineup includes a couple of epicurean delights, among them are Chicken Liver Paté, Onion Jam, Tomato Jam, Tomato Soup, Onion Soup, Tomato Concassé, Pepper Sauce and Mushroom Sauce. “We want share our family recipes and continue the tradition of contributing to the local culinary scene by going back to basics of cooking,” reveals Celina. “It’s all about keeping things simple and straightforward from preparation, taste and execution. Our signature bottled basics can help make gourmet cooking faster and easier at home, without having to use products that have preservatives or additives. I hope that people will enjoy our products and keep them as staples in their pantry selections.” “The first collection of Project Hearth is called Maison du Chef which means ‘Home the Chef’

for which we offer the best of our family’s secret sauces, soups, paté and jams,” adds Alex. “This collection of tasty products been favorites among the regulars of Claude’s Café in Davao City for over 20 years.” “Davao has always been home for us and growing up around the family business meant lots of talk and work around food, from the creative aspect, actual cooking, all the way to on service

and menu development,” shares Celine. “But most of all, for us, it meant less hours enjoying each other’s company, privately, because we’re always in the restaurant. We’re busy looking after its needs and operations, in the aim to always pay attention to detail where customer satisfaction is king. After school, help was needed and even expected at the restaurant. As we grew up, we took on more tasks and got more involved in

the creative process. Soon, we began to see the fun part of the business and it sparked our interest to follow the same path. It is that good mix of skill, passion, talent and a little encouragement that inspired me and my brother to combine our aspirations and our love for good food and homemade dishes.” “More than just good food, we learned to go beyond just the plate. We are guided with this principle

from the way we treat people, maintaining our work space, designing of our product’s labels, the story we build behind it, all the way to the execution of our brand philosophy. Our parents have always been open about how involved they are in running our family business and this has taught us the value of hard work and showed us how to be more efficient, both in large and small tasks. These are skills we picked up from them, and, to this day, apply with Project Hearth,” Celina explains further. Follow facebook.com/ ProjectHearth and @project_hearth on Instagram for a complete list of products and kitchen basics to spruce up your pantry, as well as tips on quick gourmet meals. Project Hearth will be open for orders and deliveries within Metro Manila starting November 15, 2015. Orders from Davao residents will be accommodated starting January 2016.

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

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FOOD

Oatmeal nibbles CEREAL versus oatmeal? We’d most definitely go against the grain and succumb to the sweet taste of the former. However, as we age, our health forces us to end our love affair with sugar and embrace oatmeal in all of its glory. Oatmeal is a superfood that packs plenty of nutritional value for our health. Interesting, right? • Boosts Energy. Oatmeal is carbohydrate and protein-rich source that provides calories and energy. • Protects Skin. A best soothing agent to relieve itch and irritation -something that I personally need. Also, it provides an array of benefits for the skin. It is able to normalize the skin’s pH too. • Supports Weight Loss. Oatmeal is an appetite suppressor that is rich in soluble fiber, which can help anyone feel fuller for longer, as it takes a long time to digest. • Prevents Diabetes. Oatmeal’s low glycemic index helps the stomach empty its contents slowly, which affects blood sugar levels and has a positive effect on our insulin sensitivity. • Boosts Heart Health. Oatmeal contains both calcium and potassium -- known to reduce blood pressure numbers. • Reduces Colon Cancer. A high-fiber diet can be beneficial when it comes to reducing the risk of colorectal cancer. Its soluble fiber and insoluble fiber can help speed up the passage of food and waste. Want some oatmeal recipes? Here’s some of my personal favorites. Enjoy!

Oatmeal with Yogurt and Marmalade Prepare the oats according to package directions. Top with two tablespoon plain yogurt and 2 tablespoon marmalade of your choice. Oatmeal with Dried Fruit and Pistachios Prepare the oats according to package directions. Stir in a pinch of nutmeg. Top with a tablespoon each of dried fruits (of your choice) and pistachios. Drizzle with a tablespoon of honey. Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Preheat oven to 350F. Butter a medium size baking dish and set aside. Pour ingredients on buttered baking dish -- 1 1/2 cups uncooked oat-

meal, 1 3/4 cups almond milk, 1 peeled, cored and chopped apple, 1.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1 egg white and pinch of salt. Mix. Bake at 350 for about 30 minutes or until the top begins to brown. Mix 8 tablespoon yoghurt, 4 tablespoon almond milk, 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder and 2 tablespoon raw honey. Spoon over baked cinnamon oatmeal. Oatmeal Pancakes In a bowl, combine 1/4 cup all purpose flour, 1 cup oats, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon and a pinch of salt. Mix well. Combine 1 cup buttermilk, 2 tablespoon butter, and 1 large egg in a small

bowl. Add to the flour mixture. Stir well until wellcombined. Heat a nonstick griddle over medium heat. Coat pan with oil. Spoon batter and cook. Cook until bottoms are lightly brown. Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Breakfast Cookies Preheat oven to 350°F. Combine 2 medium ripe mashed bananas and 1 cup oats in a bowl. Fold in 1/4 cup chocolate chips. Scoop a tablespoon of the mixture unto the cookie sheet. Bake for 15 minutes. Oatmeal Crusted Chicken Tenders Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.

3Place 1 cup oats in a blender or food processor and grind. In a small bowl, beat the egg with 1 tablespoon milk and set aside. Put the oats, salt, pepper and 3/4 cup cheese(any of your choice) into a medium sized bowl and mix. Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture and coat on both sides. Roll the chicken tender in oats and coat well on both sides. Place chicken tender onto baking sheet. Repeat until done. Bake for 10-15 minutes. Turn each chicken tender over and bake for another 10-15 minutes until chicken tenders are golden brown and cooked. Make #TheRoyalChef your Thursday habit. Tag me on instagram @theroyalchefleebai for your delicious food finds!

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EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

CRABS & STEAK at the Waterfront

WATERFRONT Insular Hotel Davao has always envisioned itself as the premier destination for excellent services and products. To meet this expectation, we have come up with a new offering at Café Uno. Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday of November, we will be serving our very first Crab & Steak Lunch Buffet for only Php 699.00nett per person. This is the brainchild of the tandem of our Executive Chef, Victor D. Barangan, and our Food & Beverage Manager, Arnelle Cristines. “We wanted to offer something new to our guests and clients. It is our way of expressing our appreciation for their continued patronage,” they explained. The main courses of this delectable spread will be succulent crabs from Surigao and several kinds of steak. “We will be serving each

type of steak in a cycle. For example, this week we will have Rib Eye Steak on Tuesday, Tenderloin Steak on Thursday, and Top Sirloin Steak on Saturday. Each day will be different to make it exciting,” said Chef Victor. Also featured on the menu is the Seafood Laksa Soup of Chef Rhyan Bahi-an, which won second place at the Elite Chef Challenge of Unilever’s Chefmanship Academy last September. Aside from the tasty highlights, there will also be an array of fresh fruits, native delicacies, cakes & mousses for dessert. Each is a little bit more sinful to compliment a hefty lunch. Every sweet and mouthwatering delight is specially

prepared by the awardwinning culinary team of chefs headed by Chef Victor. What are you waiting for? Head on over to the Café Uno of Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao and treat yourself, friends and family to a one-of-a-kind dining experience. This offering will run from November 3 to 28.

For inquiries, reservations and updates on our events, promos and culinary offerings, contact us at (082) 233 2881 to 87 or 300 8881 or visit our website at www.waterfronthotels.com.ph. Like us also on Facebook at www. facebook.com/waterfront. davao and follow us on Instagram and Twitter at WaterfrontDavao.

ENTERTAINMENT

Metro to feature rising Pinoy female designers in upcoming fashion show METRO MAGAZINE is all set to showcase on November 14 (Saturday) the stunning collections of six female Pinoy designers who are making a mark in the Philippine fashion industry for the much-awaited Metrowear Luxe. Dubbed as the rising young female trailblazers in Philippine fashion, the distinct design aesthetics of Maureen Disini, Rosanna Ocampo, Vania Romoff, Charina Sarte, and Sassa Jimenez will be presented in the Metrowear Luxe runway, while Rosenthal Tee is set to open the fashion show with her modern minimalist aesthetic designs. Metro editor-in-chief Sarah Meier is beyond excited and all praises for

this year’s roster of young all-female designers for Metrowear Luxe saying, “These ladies are incredibly strong and diverse with a distinct design aesthetic, each a touch different from the other, but all 100% woman.” Sarah also said that the lineup Metro prepared this year is promising. “Metrowear Luxe will be an exciting and invigorating fashion presentation, with quality design and execution –all things we as the Metro brand look forward to delivering on all platforms in 2016.” Metro is a premiere fashion and lifestyle magazine in the country that aims to empower women in Philippine fashion. It is one of the titles published every month by ABS-CBN Publishing, Inc.

November 6 – 10, 2015

THE LAST WITCH HUNTER Vin Diesel, Rose Leslie, Elijah Wood R13

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

SPECTRE Daniel Craig, Christoph Waltz, Ralph Fiennes PG

1:00 | 4:00 | 7:00 | 10:00 LFS

EVERYDAY I LOVE YOU Liza Soberano, Enrique Gil, Gerald Anderson G

12:20 | 2:45 | 5:10 | 7:35 | 10:00 LFS

GOOSEBUMPS Halston Sage, Jack Black, Amy Ryan PG

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

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge! EVENT

VOL. 8 ISSUE 162 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015

GWD’s Tweet and Treat GREEN Windows Dormitel, the budgetfriendly boutique hotel in Davao City, jumped into the Halloween tradition with “Scary Fun Shot 2: Tweet and Treat” which dangled a heap of special treats and gift items.

“The aim is to boost its social media presence and generate sales,” said Green Windows Dormitel marketing manager MJ Espiritu. Scary Fun Shot 2 is a facebook photo contest that aims to promote excitement during the season of Halloween by showcasing a scary yet funny photo. Choosing of winners is based from the number of likes.

The Tweet and Treat packed in the kids at the lobby of Green Windows where they received treats while older guests joined the Tweet and Treat Halloween special. Tweet and Treat aims to increase the presence of GWD on Twitter not only to make it accessible to clients but also to boost interest in keeping on track with what’s new in the hotel. Trivia questions were asked on guests who wished to take home GWD personalized items (tshirt, tumbler or mug). Like us on facebook w w w. f aceb o o k .co m / istayedatGWD and follow us on Twitter @GWDormitel188 for updates of the hotel’s promos and future events.

GREEN WINDOWS Marketing Team

GWD is HOME. Albert Beteno, a longstay guest receiving his prize for winning the Tweet and Treat trivia Grand winners of Scary fun Shot 2 showing off their prizes. question.

11 AGRITRENDS

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 162 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015

Growing organic rice gains ground Text and photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO Organically-grown rice in Magsaysay, Davao del Sur

(First of Two Parts)

F someone mentions the words “organic farming,” what comes to your mind immediately? Environment-friendly, natural, not using pesticides and other chemicals, sustainable, regenerative, and healthy – these are the words use to describe this method of farming which has recently captured the attention of some Filipino farmers. Thanks to Republic Act 10068, organic farming is now being promoted in the Philippines. More popularly known as the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010, the law is a state policy that promotes, propagates, and further develops the practice of organic farming in the country. Organic agriculture, the Act says, cumulatively conditions and enriches the fertility of the soil, increases farm productivity, reduces pollution and destruction of the environment and prevents the depletion of natural resources. Not only that. This method of farming, which is synonymous in other languages to “biological” or “ecological,” also protects the health of farmers, consumers and the general public. In its report, Organic Agriculture and Food Security, the United Nations Food and agriculture (FAO) explicitly states that organic farming fights hunger, tackles climate change, and is good for farmers, consumers and the environment. Organic farming, according to FAO’s Nadia Scialabba, is “a holistic production management system that avoids the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, and genetically

modified organisms, minimizes pollution of air, soil and water, and optimizes the health and productivity of plants, animals and people.” The Act, however, considers “all agricultural systems that promote the ecologically sound, socially acceptable, economically viable and technically feasible production of food and fibers” as organic farming. “Organic agriculture dramatically reduces external inputs by refraining from the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and pharmaceuticals,” the Act points out. “It also covers areas such as, but not limited to, soil fertility management, varietal breeding and selection under chemical and pesticide-free conditions, the use of biotechnology and other cultural practices that are consistent with the principle and policies of organic agriculture.” In Magsaysay, Davao del Sur, some farmers are now growing rice organically. More farmers are following suit as they have seen the sweet harvest of those who went ahead of them and practiced what was earlier less popular. Currently, there are over 20 farmers who are members of the Magsaysay Organic Farmers Marketing Cooperative (Mofarmco). Together, they plant about 26 hectares to organic rice. There are some farmers who want to join. However, before they could so, they have to convert their rice farm into an area that can be grown with organic rice. This can be done by allowing the rice production area to undergo a 12-to 18-month transition period. Cristina E. Soria, Mofarmco manager, said they want more farmers to join the co-

operative as they are planning of increasing their annual production capacity to meet the demand of their Manila-based buyer. There are some reports that a number of foreign buyers are also interested to buy “MagRice.” “MagRice,” short for Magsaysay Rice, is the brand name of the cooperative’s organic rice. “MagRice is pure because it is not adulterated with other varieties. It is safe because it is toxin-free as no pesticides nor synthetic fertilizers were used during production. We maintain the product as regular milled rice to preserve its important nutrients. Try MagRice and savor the real taste of life,” says one of its promotional materials. Magsaysay, which used to be part of Bansalan, is known for its rice production. In 2002, the local government thought of producing organic rice as one of the flagship projects of its sustainable agriculture program. It contacted the Don Bosco Foundation for Sustainable Development, Inc. in Makilala, North Cotabato to help them realized the project. It was hard in the beginning. The Diocesan Brothers introduced the Biodynamic Calendar and the Korean natural farming. To make their own fertilizers and pesticides, rice farmers have to use indigenous materials like milk and honey spray, detoxified rice seeds, crystal quartz, composts and herbs. “Instead of harmful pesticides, we spray our crop with milk and honey,” Clemencio Resola, one of the farmers who adopted the method, told Philippine Daily Inquirer. “Aside from repelling the bugs, the unique mixture also makes our rice give off that special aroma you can’t find

anywhere else.” To drive off insects and pests, they sue chemical-free alternatives like fermented ginger, madre de cacao and wine. These are soaked for 24 hours before being sprayed to organically-grown rice. Instead of buying commercial fertilizer, rice farmers prepare their own organic fertilizers. Among the materials used are rice stalks and manures from chicken, horses, carabaos and cows. Even fish intestines are utilized. Composting of these organic wastes is done right in the farm. Most farmers also follow various activities in organic rice farming: applying field spray before plowing the field, putting old sacks on the seedbed, the required distance of planting (25-30 centimeters apart), the exact week of

Planting rice

Rice ready for harvesting

weeding after transplanting, and maintaining 1-2 inches of water. “The yield (per hectare) may not be as high as those that are using chemicals, but you greatly reduced the cost of farm inputs so it comes a lot cheaper,” Resola was quoted as saying. The Philippines is not the only country adopting organic farming. “Organic farming is now established in international standards,” said Worldwatch Institute, an independent research organization based in Washington, D.C. that works on energy, resource, and environmental issues. “Although organic agriculture often produces lower yields on land that has recently been farmed conventionally, it can outperform conventional practices – especially in times

of drought – when the land has been farmed organically for a longer time,” said Laura Reynolds, co-author of the Worldwatch report, “Organic Agriculture Contributes to Sustainable Food Security.” Organic agriculture uses up to 50 percent less fossil fuel energy than conventional farming, and common organic practices – including rotating crops, applying mulch to empty fields, and maintaining perennial shrubs and trees on farms –also stabilize soils and improve water retention, thus reducing vulnerability to harsh weather patterns. On average, organic farms have 30 percent higher biodiversity, including birds, insects, and plants, than conventional farms do,” noted Catherine Ward, co-author of the report. (TO BE CONCLUDED)

12 CLASSIFIED

EDGEDAVAO

Advertise with Tel No. 082.221.3601/224.1413 Email: edgedavao@gmail.com marketing@edgedavao.net

VOL. 8 ISSUE 162 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 162 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015

Water service interruption in matina pangi November 14 – 15, 2015

AVAO City Water District has scheduled a water service interruption from 9:00 PM of November 14 until 3:00 AM of November 15. Affected are these Matina Pangi areas: Kms. 9, 8 and 7, Mt. Terrace Village, Silca, Orange Grove Subd., Samantha Homes, Iñigo Village, Leviticus Village, Nuestra Señora Dela Salvacion Settlers Assn. (NSDS) Village and Garden Park Subd. This water service interruption is needed to give way to the tapping of the newly installed 250mm diameter Mortar Line Coated Steel Pipe to the existing 200mm diameter Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) pipeline and looping of the existing 75mm diameter PVC pipeline to the existing 100mm diameter PVC pipeline at Grace Park Subd. Once completed, said project will allow for increase of water supply and accommodation of additional service connections in Tugbok Water Supply System, and increase water pressure of immediate environs. DCWD general manager Edwin V. Regalado asks for the understanding and cooperation of would-be affected customers. He also advises them to store enough water prior to the scheduled water interruptions. Water supply may be restored earlier if work goes smoothly or later if unforeseen problems arise. The general public may visit DCWD website (www. davao-water.gov.ph) and official Facebook page (www.facebook.com/davaowater) or call the Central Information Unit / Call Center through the 24-hour hotline 297-DCWD (3293) and press “1” on their phone dial to listen to latest daily water updates. They may also call / text 0927-7988966, 09255113293 and 0908-4410653 for other updates, complaints, queries and matters pertaining to DCWD services. (Jamae G. Dela Cruz)

13 COMPETITIVE EDGE

McHappy Day Stripes Run in Davao: Ready, set, read!

UNNING for fun is guaranteed to make people feel good. Imagine how much better it would feel to know that running can

also help Filipino kids in need learn how to read! At McDonald’s, families can have fun and help other families at the same

time through the McHappy Day Stripes Run. This year’s McHappy Day is bigger than ever as it brings the Stripes Run in two key local cities: People’s Park, Davao City on November 28 and in BGC, Taguig City on December 5. Registration is now open! To join, simply fill-up the registration form available at select McDonald’s stores and online via mchappyday.com. ph, settle the registration fee, and claim the race kit right after. Each race kit includes a McHappy Day shirt, McDonald’s red and white striped socks, stub for a free McDonald’s breakfast meal at the venue, and a race bib. There’s a distance for every runner and every member of the family with 1K, 3K, 5K,

and 10K categories. Exciting activity booths also await participants after the race as they celebrate a fun and fulfilling run. Help Filipino kids learn and eventually love reading by joining the 2015 McHappy Day Stripes Run. Proceeds from the Stripes Run will be donated to ‘Ronald McDonald Read To Learn’, a flagship program of McDonald’s charity of choice, the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Philippines. Since 2002, RMHC has touched the lives of over 11 million children through its Ronald McDonald Read To Learn program. RMHC Philippines also celebrates its 20th year of making a difference this year. For more information on the McHappy Day Stripes Run, visit mchappyday.com. ph or follow McDonald’s official Facebook page at facebook.com/mcdo.ph. Sign-up today and tell your family and friends about it! Don’t forget to use the hashtag #McDoStripesRun and tag @ McDo_PH on Twitter and Instagram.

14 EDGEDAVAO Sports

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DETERMINATION. A young girl tries to outsprint two veteran runners towards the finish line during the 39th Milo Marathon Davao City leg last Sunday. Lean Daval Jr.

Pool stars in Kings Cup slated Nov. 19 E

FREN. Mika. Ko. Django. Van Boening. Appleton. Little Ko. Albin. These 8 players share 14 World Championship wins, 10 US Open titles, and 6 World #1s. Never before have two teams been so stacked with skill and talent. The inaugural Resorts World Kings Cup will mark the first time Europe and USA join forces to face again the greatest players of the Asia with Philippines and Taiwan also joining forces for the very first time in history. European and American champions will go against

Asia’s champions on November 19th at Resorts World Manila in the inaugural Kings Cup. In what surely will become the most epic rivalry in cue sports, the pool world is about to get rocked in a war that fans have been dreaming about for years. Dragon Promotions is pleased to produce the Kings Cup, a three day contest to declare which side of the world boasts the strongest players, the East or the West. On November 19th-21st 2015, the world, as well as the players themselves, will find

out! Four players on each side have been selected to represent their continent. The Kings Cup will be hosted by the award winning casino Resorts World Manila , produced by Dragon Promotions and aired on ABS-CBN Sports Channels for 12 hours of coverage and replays. The event will be played on the beautifully designed Rasson Table using Andy Cloth, Viking Cue, Cyclop Balls while the players will wear prestigious clothing made by FA Clothing Company. Puyat Sports, Pool & Billiard Maga-

Vismanos of Toril. “Siya akong idol,” said Cuya of Vismanos, who has run the Milo Marathon in all 39 editions of the country’s biggest footrace. Cuya was on his fifth Milo race, the last four in the 21-kilometer division. However, his attempts at a podium finish have all went short. “Nagadagan nako ug 21, di man gyud ko makaapas sa uban, ang challenge na lang nako sa akong sarili walay sapatos (I have been running the 21-K but I could not catch up with the other runners. The only challenge I have is to run barefoot),” he told Edge Davao in an interview after the race. Last Sunday’s run was his slowest time ever finishing the difficult course accented by uphill stages and

some downhill parts in 2:14. “My personal record is two hours flat but I do not mind if I was slower.” Cuya said he will continue running barefoot and promised to be the barefoot ambassador of Davao. “If only more people will realize others who cannot afford shoes also deserve our compassion.” And then there’s the idea of going green. “It’s natural. It’s cheap.” Cuya may never be a champion all his life, but that is no longer his motivation. Winning, he says, is not in arriving first and ahead of the rest. “Winning is a feeling of fulfillment that you have run a good race not just for yourself but for everybody.” This foam salesman has a soft heart.

STRIDES FOR THE SHOE-LESS

zine, and Billiards Digest are also co-sponsors. Pay Per View earlybird discounted special is now available on www.KingsCupPool.com for $24.95 for all 3 days, or $10 per day. Fans can watch live or the delayed telecast upto 24 hours after the event at their convenience. “This is the most concentrated group of great players I have ever seen. For sure there is going to be some amazing pool during those three days”, said Finland’s Mika Immonen, Captain of Team West. All 8 champions have ei-

ther been ranked #1 in the World, won a World Championship, or combination of both. No team event has ever had a field so deep in talent. “The competition is much bigger over there against the Asians...There’s going to be a lot of fans watching and big TV coverage. That’s why I really enjoy playing in the Philippines the past 10 years”, said America’s Van Boening. “If you don’t like playing under big pressure in a big time atmosphere, you are in the wrong job, pal”, said UK’s Darren Appleton.

“Usually there’s a lot of work for me to take care of the USA team and then I have to play as well. In Kings Cup there are multiple world champions on the team. Mika, Darren, and Albin who was World #1. All three are great players. They know how to prepare themselves to be in a world championship finals. They always stay hungry and I don’t have to worry about any of them”, explained Van Boening. “It means less work for me, and I can focus more on playing. That makes me excited.”

... FROM 1

Running barefoot, for Cuya, is his way of thanking Milo for the pairs of shoes that will go to 500 kids each year. The plus side is that he thinks he ran rather easily without shoes—save for some cuts he got from stepping on sharp, broken pavement. The idea that less weight on your feet helps you go faster is not rocket science, nor a deep secret preserved for centuries by lost tribes. The most notable barefoot runner was Abebe Bikila of Ethiopia. His bare feet skimmed over the hot streets of Rome that night to give him the 1960 Olympic gold medal in a world-record of 2:15:16.2. In Davao, the most notable barefoot runner was retired policeman Manuel

BAREFOOT LOVE. A barefooted man holds his wife to the finish line of the 39th Milo Marathon Davao City leg last Sunday. Armando B. Fenequito Jr.

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SPORTS 15

EDGEDAVAO

PH hosts int’l beach volleyfest

VOLLEYBALL STAR. Rachel Ann Daquis signals a play in the Philippine Super Liga Grand Prix where she plays for Petron Blaze.

H E wooden floor of the Philsports Arena will be transformed into a beach volleyball court when the Philippines hosts the Spike for Peace international tournament from November 29 to December 3. Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Ritchie Garcia said about 300 cubic meters of sand will be placed atop the arena’s floor

to ensure a layer of sand 30 centimeters thick according to international standards. “The thickness of the sand is in such a way na hindi aabot sa floor. The texture of the sand is the same. We will cover the floor with canvas and put the sand on top,” said Garcia during Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at the Shakey’s Malate. “It’s a lot of sand. Hindi ito manipis na mararamdaman ‘yung floor,” Garcia said. this is actually not the first time an indoor arena

has hosted a beach volleyball event as Madison Square Garden, home of the NBA’s New York Knicks, was also transformed into one during the early 1990s. Garcia said the venue formerly known as ‘Ultra’ will be prepared one week before the tournament which has 12 invited teams, eight of which have already confirmed their participation. Already confirming their participation are Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, Sweden, United States, Brazil, and host Philippines.

homa City en route to the title, and a 2013 game in Sacramento when he made 10 3-pointers and finished with a career-best 34 points. But his biggest shot may still be the one in the final seconds to force overtime in the 2008 NCAA title game, when he and Kansas defeated Derrick Rose and Memphis. “I always get booed there,” Chalmers said before the Heat went to Memphis last season. “Always.” That may change now. Miami will be Udrih’s seventh team. He’s also played for San Antonio, Sacramento, Milwaukee, Orlando, New York and the Grizzlies. In a somewhat odd twist, the left-handed Slovenian

would figure to help back up another left-handed Slovenian in Miami, with Goran Dragic being the Heat starter at the point. Besides the financial matters, there were other factors for the Heat. Chalmers at times made clear he wasn’t happy with being a backup. And the emergence of Tyler Johnson as a ballhandler on Miami’s second unit appeared to give the Heat confidence that they could still be effective without Chalmers. “It is part of the business and it was a move necessary to make because of our crowded backcourt,” Heat President Pat Riley said. “We feel that it is in the best interest of Mario and we want him to be successful and be a part of a good team.”

Chalmers traded to Memphis

ARIO Chalmers and Memphis are linked again. Best known in college for helping beat Memphis in the NCAA championship game, Chalmers was traded by Miami to the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday (Wednesday, Manila time) in a four-player deal that helps the Heat move closer to escaping would be a very punitive tax bill after the season. The Heat also sent little-used forward James Ennis to the Grizzlies, who gave up point guard Beno Udrih and pow-

er forward Jarnell Stokes in the deal. “Rio can hold his head high, leaving on a great note here,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. “He’ll always be remembered as a two-time champion point guard here in Miami, welcomed in Miami from here on out.” The trade ends months of questions about the status of Chalmers, an eight-year veteran and the starting point guard on the 2012 and 2013 NBA title teams in Miami. His contract seemed one of the most likely candidates to be moved in Miami’s quest to escape the repeater tax and have maximum flexibility on the free-agent market next summer. The trade doesn’t get Miami

Foton tops Meralco in 5 sets F OTON cruised to its fourth straight win, downing also-ran Meralco, 25-18, 18-25, 14-25, 25-16, 15-8, on Tuesday in the Philippine Super Liga Grand Prix at The Arena in San Juan. American reinforcement

Lindsay Stalzer led the way with 24 points, rookie Jaja Santiago chipped in 14 and Katie Messing, Foton’s other American import, added 13 as the Tornadoes improved their record to 4-3. Meralco’s American im-

port Christina Alessi, who missed their previous match due to a right knee contusion, scored 18 points, while La Salle’s Mika Reyes and Mary Joy Baron each had 13 markers. The Power Spikers are winless in eight matches.

Peace each scored 14 for the Lakers, who played with Bryant sitting out somewhat unexpectedly to rest. When time expired, Bryant and Wade met at midcourt, with one of Wade’s sons on the floor as well to meet the five-time NBA champion. They posed for photos, shared a hug and then Bryant walked off the court — giving highfives to a few fans who lingered for possibly their final look at him in Miami. Bryant is contemplating retiring after this season, his 20th in the NBA.

soldiers at every home game and have done so for years, but there was one of particular significance in the arena on Tuesday — U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant Jennifer Johnson, the mother of Heat guard Tyler Johnson. ... Miami has blocked at least five shots in all eight of its games so far. The only other season where the Heat opened with a streak like that was 2010-11.

under the tax line, but moves the Heat significantly closer. “This is a move we feel good about,” Spoelstra said. “We feel good about who we’re acquiring.” Chalmers was averaging 5.5 points on 31 percent shooting this season for the Heat, and Ennis had been scoreless in seven minutes of action. Udrih averaged 5.9 points in eight games with the Grizzlies, and Stokes was scoreless in four minutes off the bench. With Chalmers as a starter, including playoffs, the Heat went 292-164. He had many memorable nights with the Heat, including a 25-point effort in Game 4 of the 2012 NBA Finals when Miami took command against Okla-

Bosh hits 30 as Heat down Lakers

F basketball fans in Miami came to see Kobe Bryant one last time, they were undoubtedly disappointed considering he spent the night on the bench in a sharp threepiece suit. If they came to see Chris Bosh have the best game of his comeback season, they left happy. Bosh scored a season-high 30 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, Hassan Whiteside had 19 points and 15 rebounds in only 27 minutes of work, and the Heat pulled away in the second half to beat the Los Angeles Lakers 10188 on Tuesday (Wednesday, Manila time). Luol Deng scored 14 and Dwyane Wade added 12 for Miami, which is 5-3 — with all five of those wins by double digits. The Heat led 50-49 after a back-and-forth first half, and then led by as many as 18 after halftime. Nick Young made his first five shots, four of them from 3-point range, and finished with 17 for Los Angeles. Lou Williams and Metta World

TIP-INS Lakers: World Peace made his first NBA start in exactly 23 months. His last was Dec. 10, 2013, for New York at Cleveland. ... The Lakers have committed at least 20 fouls in all seven of their games; they were whistled for 21 on Tuesday. ... If Bryant doesn’t return next season, his final numbers in Miami: 23.8 points in 15 games, with the Lakers going 4-11 in those contests. Heat: The Heat honor

CELEB WATCH Longtime University of Miami trustee Alex Rodriguez — he’s better known as the New York Yankees’ designated hitter — was sitting at midcourt, and Hurricanes men’s basketball coach Jim Larranaga watched the game next to Heat President Pat Riley. Also, several members of the US men’s national soccer team were in the crowd and some took part in an on-court shooting contest during a second-quarter stoppage in play. The team has been training in South Florida to prepare for the start of 2018 World Cup qualifying.

HOPEFUL. Bobby Ray Parks Jr. hopes to earn a spot with the Texas Legends inb the NBA D League.

Parks fights for roster spot R

AY Parks’ versatility could be the key to success in the NBA D-League as the battle for roster spots continues at the Texas Legends training camp. The two-time MVP of the UAAP, generously listed at 6 feet 4 inches, is eager to show he can play very well on both offense and defense, in both guard positions, and the head of basketball operations of the Mavericks’ D-League affiliate seems to be impressed. “He’s a really good shooter… very versatile. He can give you some minutes at the point, he can give you some minutes at shooting guard,” said Byron Bogar,

Director of Player Programs for the Legends, in the most recent episode of the Legends webcast Beyond the Bounce. “He’s been playing great defense. In all he’s a great character guy,” Bogar added. The Filipino-American’s style of play as combo guard should serve him well as Legends Director of Scouting and Analytics Matt Morales noted that what the organization needs are players who can do well in different positions. “It’s great because in the D-League we’re getting callups, we’ve gotta plug in positions, so when you have guys on your team, on your starting lineup or

on your bench that can fill in the multiple spots, that’s so valuable in such a thin roster,” Morales said. With days to go before the opener, on the road against the Austin Spurs on Friday (Saturday, Manila time), the Legends have yet to finalize the roster but head coach Nick Van Exel is confident he has the material to build a competitive team. “Still learning how to play with one another but overall doing pretty good,” said Van Exel. “Cutting players is always tough… but I think we have a solid 15, 16 guys who are very capable of being in the roster…. It’s gonna be a tough decision,” he added.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 162 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2015