Edge Davao 8 Issue 34 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

VOL. 8 ISSUE 34 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

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LOOK MA, NO HELMET. A family cruises along the national highway in Panabo City aboard a motorcycle with their pet dog in tow.Apparently the helmet law is not implemented very strictly in this city. Lean Daval Jr.

NO TO RODY PROBE City officials reject calls to investigate Duterte over Davao killings

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

abf@edgedavao.net

PARTY-LIST congressman and some Davao City councilors yesterday downplayed the call of Human Rights Watch (HRW) for the national government to investigate Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte for his possible role in summary executions in the city over the past decade. In a text message, 1BAP Party-List Rep. Silvestre H. Bello III told Edge Davao that the HRW’s call is “black propaganda” against Duterte since the

election is nearing. Bello said the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) had conducted investigations in the past but found no evidence found to pin down Duterte as the alleged mastermind in the summary killings in the city. “I think the Human Rights Watch has no legal basis to investigate the mayor,” he said. Human Rights Watch deputy Asia director Phelim Kine yesterday said the Philippine government “should investi-

gate Davao City’s Mayor Rodrigo Duterte for his possible role in summary executions in the city over the past decade.” “Duterte has continued to espouse the killing of criminal suspects to combat crime in a city that has long had high numbers of apparent ‘death squad’ killings – more than 1,000 since the late 1990s,” Kine said. “(Duterte) said in a speech on May 15, 2015 that his approach to crime fighting de-

pended on the killing of suspected criminals. ‘We’re the ninth safest city. How do you think I did it? How did I reach that title among the world’s safest cities? Kill them all (criminals),’” he added. Kine said the government “should take a zero-tolerance approach to any public official who publicly endorses extrajudicial killings as an acceptable means of crime control… Duterte’s public support for the ex-

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INSIDE EDGE

DELIGHTFULLY CREAMY PASTIL MALLOWS

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 34 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

FORCED BREAK. A laborer takes a break under a container van while waiting for the rain to stop so he and his co-workers can resume unloading sacks of cement at Sta. Ana wharf yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Davao City to get P4M to cut greenhouse gases By CHENEEN R. CAPON

crc@edgedavao.net

HE Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) will be allotting up to P4 million to the Davao City government for the development of development strategies that will lower green house gas (GHG) emissions. Davao City is one of the two pilot areas in Mindanao, the other one being North Cotabato. The program will be implemented under the Mindanao Low Emissions Development Strategies (LEDS) Projects, a joint project implemented by MinDA through

its MindaNOW! Program, and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). “The Mindanao LEDS Project aims to mainstream LEDS as a development strategy and determine the contribution of Mindanao in the Intended Nationally Determined Contributions or INDCs,” MinDA Secretary Luwalhati Antonino said in a press conference at The Marco Polo, Davao on Monday. “With the assistance of experts, each LGU will conduct

FDAVAO CITY, 11

Dayanghirang commends EDGE, Sun.Star, Dureza By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

DCCCII rejects Sasa Port modernization By CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY

HE Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII) is strongly opposing the P17-billion Davao Sasa Port Modernization Project, branding the cost as dubious and describing the rationale behind the rehabilitation efforts as unrealistic. The DCCCII expressed its outright rejection to the project in a strongly-worded position and demanded the national government to hold the bidding process and revisit the study and recommendation made by the Development

Bank of the Philippines-International Finance Corporation (DBP-IFC). “We urge everyone, the local government, the City Council of Davao to continue its probe and the Congress to look into this matter with sincere consideration to the rue well-being of the people of Davao City and the whole Davao Region,” read part of the draft of the position paper of the DCCCII headed by chairman of the board John Y. Gaisano and president Antonio T. dela Cruz.

“We exclaim fairness and transparency as all Filipinos deserve nothing less,” the paper added. The DCCCII, the premier voice of the business sector in Davao City, assailed the national government particularly the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) for approving the project based on the DBP and IFC recommendation with such huge amount. Designing the Sasa Port as hub to accommodate around

1.2 million twenty-foot equivalent units or TEUs, a standard size container, to compete with Singapore with 16 million TEUs is unrealistic. Making the Sasa Port a container cargo hub, the DCCCII said, will cause terrible road congestion in the north area of Davao as road widening has reached its limits. “Another point of consideration is the competition that this may bring with the neighboring private ports, which were by the way also DOTC-

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OUNCILOR Danilo C. Dayanghirang yesterday commended EDGE Davao and Sun.Star Davao for winning awards in the 19th Civic Journalism Community Press Awards presented by the Philippine Press Institute (PPI) in Manila last week. In yesterday’s regular City Council session, councilor Dayanghirang commended EDGE Davao under Editor-In-Chief Antonio M. Ajero and Sun.Star Davao led by Editor-In-Chief Stella A. Estremera for their outstanding achievements and thanked them for giving honor and proud to Davao City and its people. Dayanghirang said EDGE Davao, a young daily publication, was adjudged The

Best Edited Community Daily Newspaper in the Philippines. He said as the country’s best edited community newspaper, the Board of Judges composed of professors and deans of the nation’s schools of journalism cited the paper for “having demonstrated the highest standards in terms of creativity, quality, utility and style of writing that uphold the highest journalistic standards and tradition, as it presents with more consistency strong and concise community relevant stories.” “The style of writing is such that even as an article deals on local events it is never myopic and parochial in treatment because its perspective also transcends beyond the lo-

COMMENDATION. Councilor Danilo C. Dayanghirang commends EDGE Davao for winning three awards, including the coveted Best Edited Community Daily

FDAYANGHIRANG, 11 Newspaper in the Philippines, in the recently-concluded 19th Civic Philippine Press Institute. Lean Daval Jr.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 34 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

NEWS 3

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Al-ag eyeing Congress seat By CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY

OUNCILOR Bernard Alag on Tuesday expressed his desire to succeed Isidro T. Ungab as congressman of the third district of Davao City and is seeking the blessing of Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte on his aspirations for a higher position. “I’m contemplating of running for congressman in the third district,” was Al-Ag’s

instant reply to reporters who sought his comments over talks he is seeking a seat in the House. Al-ag said he is ready to discuss this matter with Duterte, head of the ruling local administration party Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod. But the 40-year-old Al-ag, an optometrist, said he will still abide by whatever deci-

sion the party hands down after making public his political plans. Ungab, a stalwart of Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod, is serving his third and final term as congressman and is prohibited by law from seeking the same position in the 2016 presidential elections. He, however, is reportedly pushing for the candidacy of

his younger brother Alberto Ungab in next year’s political exercise and wants nothing but to succeed him. Al-ag is still in his second term as councilor of the city and said he will just seek re-election should Hugpong decides to field another candidate. With the elections just a year away, the local adminis-

tration party has to start sizing up its ticket in preparation for the polls, according to Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang. He said party members are awaiting the go-signal from Duterte, who is himself being encouraged by some of the country’s influential political leaders and party groups to seek the presidency in 2016. “We are waiting for the

instructions from the city mayor,” Dayanghirang said. The second district councilor confirmed that Al-ag and the younger Ungab have shown interest in the third district congressional seat. Dayanghirang even mentioned the name of the mayor’s youngest son, Sebastian Duterte, as a possible candidate. The

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Consultation needed for PPP to succeed By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

Q&A. National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department head lawyer Cynthia P. Alabanza answers queries and concerns raised by members of Davao City media during

the company’s Power 103, an orientation on power system operations, at The Marco Polo, Davao yesterday. Alabanza was joined by Davao Region District 5 O&M head Adolfo L. Mirasol. Lean Daval Jr.

abf@edgedavao.net

LL Public and Private Partnership (PPP) projects should be pursued only after all sectors are consulted, PPP specialist lawyer Alberto C. Agra said. Agra made the statement when reporters asked about the P17-billion Sasa Port Modernization PPP project of the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) which councilor Danilo C. Dayanghirang has said is being implemented without the Davao City government being informed, In an interview yesterday, Agra told reporters the

national government should consult all the sectors involved, not just the local government units but also the civil society groups and the affected sectors of the project. “Maybe the issues of the project now will be avoided if from the start all the sectors are consulted,” he said. Agra said in his own observation, there was no proper consultation on the Sasa Port project as evidenced by the issues that have cropped up. He said genuine consultation and not just formal

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4 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 34 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

Dads to decide on life vest ordinance By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

abf@edgedavao.net

HE Davao City council’s committee on public safety and peace and order will decide today (Wednesday) whether or not to enact an ordinance for mandatory wearing of lifejackets or not. In an interview during

yesterday’s committee hearing, committee chair councilor Nilo Abellera Jr. told reporters he will ask the Philippine Coast Guard for assurance on the strict implementation of Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Memorandum Circular (MC) 176

which specifies that all passengers of motorized bancas and similar water transport are required to wear or hold life vests. He said he will also ask boat owners if they will religiously follow the circular before making recommenda-

tion to the plenary. “If I will get the assurance of Coast Guard and MARINA that they will sustain the inspection and get the assurance of the boat owners that they will follow, then there is no need for the City Council to make an ordinance,” Abel-

lera said. He also said if complains crop up during the committee hearing today, the committee will decide to make a strict ordinance on mandatory wearing of lifejackets. “The drastic measure will be to make a stricter or-

dinance for them to follow thoroughly... because we are talking here of safety,” he said. Abellera said the Philippine Coast Guard and MARINA should not allow boats to leave port if not all passengers are wearing life vests.

BFP 11 monitoring all establishments

By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

BUDGET PLANNING. Tagum City Mayor Allan L. Rellon presides in the Budget Planning on Income Estimates of the City Government of Tagum for 2016, kicking-off the LGU’s budgeting process. Attending the said activity are Vice

Mayor Geterito Gementiza, City Councilors and heads of the revenue-generating offices of the local government. The said Planning was held at Seda Hotel, Davao City last May 15, 2015. Louie Lapat/CIO Tagum

Business commits US$340 M for Bangsamoro investments By JON JOAQUIN

HE business sector has committed an initial US$340 million in investments in the Bangsamoro region even though Congress has yet to pass the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) said yesterday. In a statement, OPAPP

said the announcement was made yesterday in a press conference following the Bangsamoro Business Forum organized by the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) and the World Bank last Monday at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati. Unifrutti Group of Companies chair John Perrine said

the amount will be invested in banana, pineapple, coffee, and cacao and would generate around 23,000 in direct employment in the Bangsamoro region. “Amid some fears that no one will go, no one will invest, these are the people that are ready to invest in the region today, now. They say the prob-

lem is lack of jobs, but this is something that would provide livelihood to the people in Bangsamoro,” OPAPP quoted Perrine as saying. The Unifrutti Group itself has been doing business in Mindanao for 19 years. For his part, National Peace Summit economic clus-

This as the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) that will create the Bangsamoro area is currently being deliberated upon in the House of the Representatives. “There are common misconceptions from Christian communities like they won’t

be able to eat pork anymore and all women, even Christians, will be obliged to wear the hijab,” Office the Presidential Advisor on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Undersecretary Luisito G. Montalbo told reporters in a press conference at the Waterfront In-

sular Hotel Davao yesterday. Montalbo said some Christian communities also think that when the law is passed the Bangsamoro government will be Islamic and it will be dominated by members of the Moro Islamic Lib-

TOTAL of 118 indigenous youths from the municipality of Talaingod, this province, received gift pouches from Tagum Cooperative given during their exposure trip to Tagum City last Saturday. The indigenous people (IP) youths were participants of the Talaingod Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) 2015 conducted on May 14 to 16 by the 68th Infantry “Kaagapay” Battalion of the 21st Division, Philippine Army.

During the participants’ trip to Energy Park in Apokon, Tagum City on May 16 morning, Tagum Cooperative officials led by Board of Directors (BOD) chair Norma del Rosario Pereyras handed them T-shirts given along with the pouch. “We are also concerned with the marginalized youth. This is in line with the 7th Coop Principle which is ‘Concern for Community,’” she said. Tagum Cooperative’s

distribution of t-shirts was in response to the request of 68th IB commander Lieutenant Colonel Zosimo A. Oliveros and Civil Military Operations officer, First Lieutenant Jonathan Lubrido Jr. They asked for support to the Talaingod YLS which provided opportunities for participants to interact with fellow youths from remote areas of the municipality and to visit the urban center of Davao del Norte. (Tagum Cooperative)

HE Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Region 11 yesterday assured the public that it is closely monitoring all establishments in the region to avoid a repeat of the Valenzuela City fire last week that killed 72 factory workers. In an interview, BFP 11 chief of operation Fire Inspector Nestor Jimenez said the agency regularly conducts inspections in every establishment in the region to ensure the safety of the workers. Jimenez said inspections are done at least twice per year. “We conduct regular inspections of establishments, schools, and residences every quarter. For big establishments we do it twice a year. We check the electrical lines, fire exits, and fire extinguishers,” he said. Jimenez said the BFP requires an exit point every 40

NGCP eyes routes to link VisMin areas By CHENEEN R. CAPON

Misconceptions hound BBL in core territory T

ISCONCEPTIONS on the proposed Bangsamoro continues to exist even in some parts of the proposed Bangsamoro core territory, including in 27 barangays Cotabato City and 39 barangays in North Cotabato.

Tagum Coop reaches out to IP youths

FBUSINESS, 11

FMISCONCEPTIONS, 11

meters of a building that will serve as the escape route of the people when an emergency occurs. BFP also requires establishments that have more than 50 employees to have their own Disaster Action Team which will serve as the volunteer fire brigade of the company. The team that will undergo drills and trainings to serve as the first responder in case of fire. Jimenez reminded the public to always look for mission order and inspection order from any person who conducts inspection in their establishment following the Republic Act 9514 which is the Comprehensive Fire Code of the Philippines. He said any person caught using the name of BFP for their own sake will face imprisonment for a day to 30 days and a fine of not less than P5,000.

crc@edgedavao.net

HE National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) is now looking into the feasibility of interconnecting the Visayas and Mindanao through either the Negros-Dipolog (in Zamboanga del Norte) route or the Cebu-Dipolog route. This after the first feasibility study on the probability on the Negros-Surigao route failed because of technical issues that may affect grid op-

eration. “We’re expediting the matter,” NGCP spokesperson lawyer Cynthia D. Perez-Alabanza said during a press conference at The Marco Polo, Davao yesterday. Alabanza said NGCP cannot give a definite timeline for the completion of the study because it has been delayed for several times. Earlier, NGCP president

FNGCP, 11

YOUTH POWER. Tagum Cooperative chair Norma R. Pereyras poses with Talaingod participants to the Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) while distributing pouches with t-shirts. Most of the youths came from Ata-Manobo communities in the municipality of Talaingod.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 34 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 34 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

VDFS pushed to become annual event By CHENEEN R. CAPON

crc@edgedavao.net

HE tourism sector of Davao City is pushing for the institutionalization of the Davao Fun Sale to make it an annual official event of the city government. “We want the fun sale to

be a regular annual event of the city like Arawng Dabaw, Kadayawan and Pasko Fiesta,”Davao Restaurant Association president BenjieLizada told reporters. Lizada said the private sector has lobbied this pro-

ICTSI Laguna port expands facilities I

NTERNATIONAL Container Terminal Services, Inc.’s (ICTSI) dry port unit, Laguna Gateway Inland Container Terminal (LGICT), recently broke ground to start the expansion of new facilities. These new facilities include extended and dedicated storage areas for loaded and empty containers, a runway for rubber tired gantries (RTG), container care facilities, weigh bridges at the gates and an upgraded access road, as it primes the Laguna dry port for the revival of intermodal freight transport in the Philippines. The expansion works, which is Phase 1 development of LGICT, commenced after groundbreaking and time capsule lowering ceremonies attended by officers and staff of ICTSI and LGICT, representatives from joint venture partners Transnational Diversified Group and

Nippon Container Terminals Co. Ltd., and officials from local government units at the Laguna dry port site in Calamba City, 58 kilometers south of Metro Manila, province of Laguna. In his message, Christian R. Gonzalez, ICTSI vice president and head of Asia Pacific region, thanked partners, clients, the provincial government of Laguna, the city government of Calamba and all the parties involved in the Laguna dry port. He bared plans to revive an existing railroad connection that will directly link LGICT and ICTSI’s flagship Manila International Container Terminal (MICT), the country’s largest and sole dedicated container handling facility. “It is a great aspiration that we have, not only to see this develop as an inland container terminal in today’s form, but also as an inland

tor like shopping and retail companies and airline companies. The 2015 Visit Davao Fun Sale which culminated last Sunday was a bigger fun sale that aims to make Davao a summer destination for

shopping, dining, relaxation, and fun and adventure. Lizada said about 140 restaurants participated in the 2015 VDFS and offered special discounts from April 3 to May 17. Lizada said with the suc-

cess of the recent fun sale, the restaurant sector of the city will definitely participate in next year’s fun sale. “We’re targeting to double the number of participating restaurants next year,” he said.

Through Yes to Breastfeeding!, Abreeza Mall and LATCH Davao seek to inspire women to make LATCH Davao Peer Counselor Alexandria Hao addresses the right choice in nourishing their children the guests

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DOLE 11 to host 3rd career congress T

HE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 11 ) is set to launch this year’s Regional Career Advocacy Congress (RCAC) from May 25 to 26 at Kadayawan Hall of NCCC Mall. Now on its 3rd year, the RCAC aims to equip career advocacy allies with ample knowledge on new concepts and strategies for career guidance in order to effectively lead students in choosing the right career path and finding the right job. They will also be updated with the latest Labor Market Information (LMI) from various industries and the trends in the national and global contexts for their use in efficient delivery of career guidance to the students and jobseekers. Guidance counselors from public schools and selected private schools in Davao Region and selected students leaders were invited to join the event. DOLE 11 regional director Joffrey M. Suyao said this year’s congress will take a closer look at K-12 program as a solution to job-skill mismatch and youth unemploy-

posal to Councilor Al Ryan Alejandro, chair of the committee on tourism in the City council. The Davao Fun Sale is on its second year. It started last year with only a few participants from the private sec-

ment and the effect of ASEAN Integration the country’s labor market. “Guidance counselors and career advocates facilitate students to arrive with informed decisions in choosing their career that’s why it is important they they should be well informed and updated with the most recent development affecting skills requirement of the industry,” Suyao said. “Good career guidance is one way to delineate the jobs and the skills of the students and jobseekers and thus, has a potential in addressing employment issues such as mismatch. It can help the youth make sound decisions and prepare them in their entry to the strenuous labor market,” Suyao added. The event is in partnership with the regional offices of Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). (Roberto A. Gumba, Jr./DOLE GIP)

BREASTFEEDING PHOTO EXHIBIT. Keryl Tan, Jenny Perez, Dr. Abdullah B. Dumama, Jr., Ma. Clarose Mascardo, Marie Lo, Alexandria Hao, Julie Lapaz, Karen Musni-Lamorena and Ruby Ochoa during the opening.

Abreeza Mall, LATCH Davao encourage breastfeeding

“

BREASTMILK is still best for babies.” The women of LATCH Davao know this all too well, and they aim to spread the word to help women in Davao make the right choice in nourishing their babies. LATCH Davao, the local counterpart of the Manila-based non-profit organization LATCH (Lactation, Attachment, Training, Counseling, Help), brings its advocacy to the public through the Yes to Breastfeeding! Photo Exhibit, which is ongoing at Abreeza Mall’s 2nd Floor Hallway until May 31.An integral part of Abreeza Mall’s Mompowerment May campaign, the Yes to Breastfeeding! Photo Exhibit aims to educate mothers on the advantages of breastfeeding, which range from proper nutrition that fights off health problems in children to bonding opportunities between mother and child.It also seeks toinspirewomento breastfeed by sharing photos andstories of real breastfeeding mothers.

LATCH Davao Peer Counselor Alexandria Hao, a mother of four, says,“It takes a village to raise a child, as it also takes a village to empower and allow a woman to be the mother that she wants, thinks, and believes she ought to be.”Chantal Febrero, a Mindanao distributor specialist, reveals,“Many have asked me, why do I take the hassle to pump, store, and feed him breastmilk? As a mom, I simply want what’s best for my child. This is his right, he deserves the best and I am more than happy to oblige.”Marie Lo, a party decorator and mother of two, puts it succinctly: “I am a mother and I am made to breastfeed my child.” Also available at the Yes to Breastfeeding! exhibit is information on the Philippine Milk Code or Executive Order No. 51, a law which protects, supports, and promotes breastfeeding. In addition, Yes to Breastfeeding! installations and posters scattered around the mall carry material about

breastfeeding to help mothers make informed decisions about infant nutrition. Further proof of Abreeza Mall as a breastfeeding-friendly establishment is the Breastfeeding Room inside the Family Lounge at the 2nd Floor, a permanent facility which is dedicated for use by breastfeeding mothers. The launch of Yes to Breastfeeding! on May 15 was graced by DOH RO-XI Regional Director Dr. Abdullah B. Dumama, Jr.and Regional Breastfeeding Coordinator Ma. ClaroseMascardo, and was attended by members of LATCH Davao and other mothers who shared photos in the exhibit. These mothers brought their children along and proudly posed by their blown-up photos in solidarity with the cause. Mompowerment May is a month-long campaign by Abreeza Mall that aims to celebrate and empower all the moms who make great things happen for themselves and their families in various ways.

Parts of the campaign are the Mompreneur Fair from May 7 to 10, the Project Mom: Our Natural Approach to Motherhood book signing with author Amanda Griffin-Jacob on May 8, the Mommy Talk series by LATCH Davao from May 9 to 10, and the Thank You, Mom Photo Exhibit which runs at the Ground Floor Hallway until May 31. In keeping with the theme, this year’s staging of Style Origin, Ayala Malls’ annual fashion event, will feature one of Philippine showbiz’s admirable young moms, AndiEigenmann, walking the Abreeza Mall runway with daughter Ellie on May 22 at 5pm. For inquiries and updates on Abreeza Mall’s Mompowerment May events, please visit the Main Concierge at the ground floor or call (082) 321-9332. Stay updated by liking www.facebook.com/ AbreezaMall and following @ abreezatweets on Twitter and @iloveabreezamall on Instagram.

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 34 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

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WOMEN

Delightfully creamy

Photos by: Arnel Solis Styling by: Grand Ravacio

PASTIL MALLOWS

SOFT, chewy, tasty and creamy. Imagine sinking your teeth into decadent pastillas covering a chunk of dreamy marshmallows. This new dessert variant has gotten everyone hooked with its own charm of colors and flavors that remind us of our childhood days.

Consuegra’s Pastil Mallows is Cherry Palma Gil’s top rated culinary creation, to date. Out of her love for good company and baking, she spends her leisure time entertaining friends with her home made delicacies. Most of these are her own versions of classic Filipino treats, tweaked to perfection with fresh flavors. “I’ve always been curious type and my kitchen adventures would lead me to improvise new techniques in achieving a certain consistency or flavor,” shares Cherry. “Sometimes, I find myself experimenting with two recipes, just to see what comes out of them when mixed.” “Most of my friends are ‘snackers’ and I invite them over for food tasting, whenever I have something new to serve. One afternoon, as I was munching on pastillas, my mind went on a frenzy thinking how I could recreate one of the most wellloved sweets. Overnight, I experimented with different mixtures and delicacies to mix with the pastillas. It took quite a while before I found its perfect match --- plain marsh-

mallows.” “When I was in ally able to achieve the right consistency and taste, I invited over my friend and husband to give me a review of my latest creation. They remained quiet and just went on eating. That was enough to convince me of how much they enjoyed what I made --- one that is now known as Pastil Mallows. After winning the votes of my first critics, I decided to test my product out in the market.” The reception and feedback was overwhelming. Cherry started out producing only about 5 tubs of per day. Now, she’s busy making up to 500 tubs of Pastil Mallows everyday. She even gets orders from Cebu and Cagayan de Oro. Pastil Mallows come in different flavors. “We have mango, durian, pandan, graham and chocolate.

These flavors, I think, are the closest to the Davaoeño’s palette. They also come in beautiful bright and yummy colors. My

latest addition are the Toasted Pastil Mallows. It’s crunchy on the outside, but soft and creamy on the inside.”

For orders and product information, follow Consuegra’s PastilMallows on Facebook or call 0908 396 6106

EDGEDAVAO

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 34 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

UP AND ABOUT This d. light Solar Home System is a modern power grid that comes with a portable lantern and operates up to eight hours. Weatherproof and water resistant, it also includes a solar panel, mobile-charging battery pack, two solar lights and two light switches.

This Hanns Solar Lighting System is a great camping mate with up to 14 hours operating time when fully charged. It also serves as an auxiliary power source for charging gadgets and other battery operated devices.

This portable Akari Solar Rechargeable LED Flashlight and Lantern is great for your outdoor adventures. Available exclusively at ACE.

Solar power savers from Ace Hardware

Illuminate summer nights with this portable and lightweight Akari Solar LED Bulb Rechargeable Flashlight with up to 15 hours operating time.

WITH a long hot summer ahead –as well as talks of energy saving - it’s the best time to follow the sun with ACE Hardware’s innovative solar power savers. Portable, lightweight and versatile, these modern, efficient energy solutions are not only great investments but also eco-friendly.

With its comfortable handle strap, this portable Akari Solar Rechargeable LED Lantern allows solar light to be placed on a table, set on the floor, or hung from a wall or on a hook. Great for use indoors or outdoors, it also has a USB power output for mobile charging.

With a USB Port for your mobile devices, this d. light Solar-Powered LED Lantern can provide light for up to eight hours.

Indoors or outdoors, these solar lighting systems will provide bright light and ensure that you have a fully charged mobile pack whenever you need it. Just plug the solar panel into the mobile charging battery pack, charge it in the sun and plug in your mobile devices. ACE Hardware also has solar lighting solutions that can be used as flashlights and lanterns with up to fifteen hours operating time. There are also solar power chargers for your cellphones and tablets to keep you connected, entertained, and enjoying your summer adventures safely and conveniently. While shopping at ACE Hardware stores, also check out its Solar Power Savers promotion wherein you can avail of great savings and discounts on solar rechargeable flashlights and LED lanterns, as well as solar home lighting systems, solar rechargeable fans with solar panels and solar power banks until March 31, 2015. You can also earn rewards points with your SM Advantage, Prestige, and BDO Rewards Cards when you shop. These solar-powered solutions from d. light, Hanns, Akari and Bosco are available at selected branches of ACE Hardware, ACE Express and ACE Builders stores nationwide. Visit our website at www.acehardware.ph or like us at www.facebook. com/acehardwarephilippines or follow us at twitter and instagram at acehardware_ph

Compact and lightweight, this Bosco Solar Power Bank with 10,000mAh charges your mobile phones, tablets, iPod and MP3 players. It also can be charged using wall AC adapters, and the USB port of your computer; and is safe with a highly secured protection against overheating, overcharging and short circuit. Available exclusively at ACE.

Convergys launches ‘Bags of Hope’ to eliminate barriers to education

THE nation’s largest private employer, Convergys, strengthens its commitment to make a difference in the communities where its employees live and work through a national campaign called “Give A Bag of Hope.” Powered by its 60,000-strong workforce, Convergys’ donations of bags and school supplies to students in partner schools nationwide will help Filipino students address a basic challenge in their education. In a report published by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), factors such as lack of personal interest, high cost of education, illness and disability, lack of nearby schools and lack of employment are among the biggest reasons for non-attendance at school. The same report says that cases of dire poverty, the lack of money to pay for transportation or to buy school supplies have forced a lot of children to drop out. On May 15, Convergys launched “Give a Bag of Hope” in its 34 centers nationwide, and over the weekend shared the campaign video on social media:

· Convergys YouTube: https:// youtu.be/z6yaNdPODXY · Convergys Facebook: https:// www.facebook.com/ConvergysPhils/videos/10153235182544242/ ?pnref=story. “In our own community, at this very moment, there are children who are excited to start the school year but lack the resources to buy school supplies. With a little help, we can give those children a chance. Convergys is empowering 60,000 employees in 34 different sites across the Philippines to make a difference by doing that – giving “bags of hope” to children in the partner schools of our sites nationwide. Every new employee hired until July will also make a difference, as we will donate a bag of hope in their name,” says Ivic Mueco, Convergys Philippines Country Manager. Employee volunteerism for social good From May to July, Convergys employees can be involved in three ways: a monetary donation pledge, actual school supplies donation, and referring their friends to join Convergys. Every success-

ful referral results to a bag of hope donated in the referring employee and new hire’s names. Employees will also be visiting approximately 25 partner schools nationwide to distribute backpacks that come complete with school supplies such as pencils, erasers and sharpeners, crayons, pad papers, and notebooks. “As a company, our contribution to nation-building doesn’t stop at providing meaningful employment and career growth among our people. Serving the community is one of Convergys’ corporate Values, and our employees are the very ones who demonstrate this in the many ways they give back to improve the areas where they live and work, eliminate barriers to stability, and create avenues where educational opportunities thrive. There is always an overflow of goodwill and I think that is well-rooted in our culture,” concludes Mueco. For more information about Give a Bag of Hope, visit the Convergys Philippines Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ConvergysPhils.

Convergys Philippines Country Manager Ivic Mueco (rightmost) is joined by the young cast members of the Give A Bag of Hope video as they show off the actual bags, which will be given out to students of several Filipino elementary schools nationwide.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 34 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

ENTERTAINMENT

Cheers, tears for Kapuso stars DEAFENING CHEERS, joyful tears, and warm rounds of applause greeted Kapuso celebrities during a series of regional visits in Luzon recently. And the stars just couldn’t help but be pleasantly surprised over their fans’ heartfelt welcome.

“It is heartwarming to witness all the passion and love that our Kapuso have for our stars. Their undying support is really what inspires us to come back over and over, year after year, and even stage grander events for them,” said GMA Network Head of Regional Strategy and Business Development Division Oli Amoroso. “Our Kapuso stars share the same sentiment that’s why they’re dedicated, all the time, to pull-off a great performance for their fans,” he added. Over in Legazpi City, Albay that celebrated the Magayon Festival in admiration of the Majestic Mayon’s beauty and splendor, no Kapuso fan was left disappointed as GMA Network delivered fun-filled shows—with no less than Kapuso Primetime Queen Marian Rivera bannering the kick-off even. Held at the Albay Astrodome on April 10, Marian’s Kapuso Fans’ Day was heaving with 6,000 people who were all smiles at the actress’ gesture of support when she proudly wore the “I Love Albay” shirt on stage. Also joining the Magayon festivities were Chef Boy Logro and Kylie Padilla for the Fiesta Culinaria and Wyn Marquez for the Ginoo ni Daragang Magayon held on April 17 and 18, respectively. Veteran actress Jaclyn Jose, together with Geoff Eigenmann, also graced the Search for Daragang Magayon 2015 Pageant Night on April 28. From the southern part of Luzon, the Network headed to North and Central Luzon and sent some of the brightest Kapuso stars to participate in the Bangus Festival in Dagupan and Pista’y Dayat in Lingayen, Pangasinan. With GMA as the Strategic Partner of this

formally proclaimed as one of the world’s New Seven Wonder Cities during an inauguration ceremony held at the St. Paul Cathedral grounds. Among the Kapuso celebrities present in the said occasion were Benjamin Alves and Lauren Young as event hosts, together with Soul Diva Jaya and Fearless Diva Jonalyn Viray as special guest performers. Con-

year’s Bangus Festival, the Network brought an exciting line-up of stars for the Festivals of the North Parade on April 26 composed of Yagit cast members Yasmien Kurdi, Wowie De Guzman, and Chlaui Malayao, and Healing Hearts stars Joyce Ching, Kristoffer Martin, and Krystal Reyes. The following day, it was the turn of GMA News TV’s Mars host Camille Prats to entertain her fans via her participation in the Bangusine: Bangus International Cusine Showcase that was held at the Dagupan City Plaza. April 30 was no ordinary Thursday for the Dagupeños as their annual Bangusan Street Party held at the De Venecia Extension Road was made extra special with the presence of Dennis Trillo, Tom Rodriguez, and Kris Bernal. During a Kapuso Night, Kris was seen wearing

an elegant red dress, a perfect match to the sexy dance number she performed that evening. Moreover, mere mention of the names of one of the Network’s most unforgettable on-screen pairs, “TomDen,” fetched earsplitting cheers and screams from the audience. And as soon as fans caught sight of them, all the more the crowd broke into pandemonium. On May 1, Kapuso couple Lovi Poe and Rocco Nacino top billed a Kapuso Meet and Greet at Tondaligan Beach as part of Bangus Festival’s Dagupan Beach Body Fest 2015. Rocco, together with GMA Artist Center talents Louise delos Reyes, and Julian Trono were among those who took part in the traditional Agew na Pangasinan Parada na Dayew as part of the Pista’y Dayat or Sea Festival on April 10. Locals and tourists alike

who were positioned along the major streets of Lingayen were in awe of the artists’ presence during the float parade. Coinciding with the Pista’y Dayat: Limgas na Pangasinan, a Kapuso Meet and Greet with The Rich Man’s Daughter’s Rhian Ramos and Chynna Ortaleza and actor Rafael Rosell was held on April 30 at the Capitol Plaza. On the same venue, Beautiful Stranger star Lovi together with one of the hottest teen love teams Miguel Tanfelix and Bianca Umali, bannered a Kapuso Night on May 1 drawing almost 8,000 attendees. Kapuso singer and award-winning stage actress Aicelle Santos, for her part, graced the Banca Parada and met with her fans at the Banaga Bridge in Bugallon on May 1. Meanwhile, May 7 marked a historic milestone for Vigan City in Ilocos Sur after being

sequently, a plaque of appreciation was awarded to GMA Network for mounting a successful inter-regional promotional campaign in support of the city’s bid to the coveted title last year. To know more about the Network’s regional events, follow GMA Regional TV on Twitter and Instagram via @GMARegionalTV.

May 20, 2015

MAD MAX: FURY ROAD Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult R16

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

PITCH PERFECT 2 Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson PG

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

PARA SA HOPELESS ROMANTIC Nadine Lustre, James Reid, Julia Barretto, Inigo Pascual PG

R-16

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

MAGGIE Arnold Schwarzenegger, Abigail Breslin R13

12:25 | 2:20 | 4:15 | 6:10 | 8:05 | 10:00 LFS

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge! EVENT

VOL. 8 ISSUE 34 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao conducts coastal clean up event THE Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao once again embarked on a coastal clean up of our waterway area on May 15, 2015 as part of its commitment to the hotel’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs. This time around, the hotel was able to get 236 pieces of mangrove seedlings courtesy of the office of Mayor Allan Rellon of Tagum City. Led by the hotel’s OIC for Hotel Operations, Mr. Bryan Yves S. Lasala, we were joined by acting OIC for Barangay Hizon, Kagawad Eric Talili; Ens. Von Velez and volunteers from the Philippine Coast Guard. And since the hotel is the event sponsor for the 2nd Bugsay Mindanao Dragon Boat competition, all seven

Dragon Boat teams also pitched in with the activity. Participants will include the Dragon Del Sur, Base Camp Dragons, and Hiraya Minokawa all under the supervision of the Davao Dragon Boat Association (DDBA). While visiting teams include Butuan City’s FSUU Blue Dragon; Cagayan de Oro’s Liceo de Cagayan Dragonoids; Iligan City’s Bakunawa Team and the Agusan del Sur Dragon Boat Team were also in attendance. Friday morning was

spent clearing the area of debris and garbage, and right after the brief opening program, all 236 mangrove seedlings were all simultaneously planted as the highlight of the event. Every individual present were all in joyous moods as they went about the upkeep of our environment and doing their share to save our planet. For updates on 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.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 34 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

THE ECONOMY

Phl leads preparations on APEC talks T

HE Philippines is the lead economy to prepare analytical framework papers on structural reform for inclusive growth and the role of structural reform on services to help shape discussions in the forthcoming Structural Reform Ministerial Meeting (SRMM) to be held in Cebu City in September. Five themes were agreed upon by the Economic Committee during the meeting held on May 16 at the Shangri-la Hotel in Boracay. These are 1.) Structural Reform for Inclusive Growth; 2.) Structural Reform and Innovation; 3.) Structural Reform and Services; 4.) Tools for Structural Reform; and 5.) New Directions for Structural Reform in APEC. “The theme on inclusive growth is very much aligned with our national priority as it is the country’s overarching goal based on the Updated Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016. Services on the other hand is one of the country’s key initiatives as we advance the APEC Services Cooperation Frame-

work (ASCF) during this hosting year,” said Assistant Director-General Rosemarie G. Edillon, who sat as the Philippine senior official for the Economic Committee. In a separate APEC Economic Committee seminar, NEDA highlighted the need for governments and the private sector to do things differently to make growth inclusive as a way to escape the so-called “middle income trap.” The term is used to refer to a situation where an economy is no longer considered in the low-income category but is taking too long to graduate to high-income status. The Philippines is joined by Peru and Japan in preparing the paper on Structural Reform (SR) for Inclusive Growth, and by Australia and Peru for Structural Reform and Services. “For the inclusiveness theme, we are presented with the challenge of developing policy frameworks for assessing the impacts of structural reform on inclusive growth and vice versa. Definitely, we need to define

inclusive growth and develop statistical tools that will enable us to do the assessments and analysis,” said Edillon. Meanwhile, the Economic Committee pointed out that trade in services is faced by unique barriers that are in many cases regulatory in nature. If a regulation is too restrictive and prescriptive, then it will hinder innovation. “These barriers may be addressed through structural reforms that allow people, goods, and resources to flow more easily within and across countries. The ministers could explore how such structural reforms can promote competition, especially within the services industry,” said Edillon.

“Structural reform is really about having policies that facilitate the efficient allocation of resources. In terms of our theme, inclusiveness, one can think of how structural reform can address the constraints to enable a lot more to participate in the growth process, both domestically and globally. For example, the services sector can benefit from less restrictions and improved regulatory regimes, especially that it holds a lot of potential for creating employment,” said Deputy Director-General Emmanuel F. Esguerra, who is the head of the Philippine delegation for the APEC Second Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM2). The Philippines also

joined the United States and Australia in drafting the paper on the New Directions for Structural Reform in APEC, following the request of the private sector during the Economic Committee-Private Sector Roundtable Discussion on Structural Reform held on May 17, 2015. “The private sector lobbied that the group working on New Directions have a developing country with them, especially one that has much experience in the agriculture and fisheries sector. Thus, we are happy to join the group and give our inputs in the development of the paper,” said Edillon. Meanwhile, China, Chinese Taipei, Russia, and New

Zealand will work on the theme on innovation, while the United States, Hong Kong, Mexico, and Chinese Taipei will collaborate on the theme Tools for Structural Reform. Rory Mcleod, chair of the Economic Committee, explained that the approved themes are for the ministers to discuss during the SRMM and the papers will inform their responses. “With Secretary Balisacan to chair the SRMM in September and keeping in mind the country’s domestic priorities, the Philippines is very well-placed to lead and be heavily involved in the discussions on an APEC post-2015 Structural Reform agenda,” Esguerra said.

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

EDITORIAL

Political color?

UMAN Rights Watch deputy Asia director Phelim Kine has resurrected a call that his group has made some years back for government to investigate Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte for what it says is his possible role in summary executions in the city over the past decade. It can be recalled that in 2009 the same group concluded that the words and actions of Duterte “indicate his support for targeted killings of criminal suspects.” HRW also said over the years, Duterte has made numerous statements attempting to justify the killing of suspected criminals, citing incidents in 2001 to 2002 in which Duterte “would announce the names of ‘criminals’ on local television and radio – and some of those he named would later become victims of death squad killings.” In its 2009 report, HRW also said the administration of then-President Gloria Arroyo “largely turned a blind eye to the killing spree in Davao City and elsewhere. The Philippine National Police have not sought to confront the problem. And the inaction of the national institutions respon-

EDGEDAVAO

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sible for accountability, namely the Department of Justice, the Ombudsman’s Office, and the Commission on Human Rights, has fueled widespread impunity.” This time around, the group has directly called on the national government to probe Duterte, saying the mayor “has continued to espouse the killing of criminal suspects to combat crime.” What HRW has apparently forgotten is that the government has, in fact, already investigated Duterte. This was in early 2009 – around the same time as the HRW report – and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) was led by now-Justice Secretary Leila de Lima. Duterte said on the first day of the probe that he would submit to De Lima his resignation as city mayor if there was even an iota of evidence that he was behind the killings. “Before you leave for Manila, you will have my resignation as mayor of Davao City,” he said. That Duterte continued to be mayor obviously meant no proof was unearthed. This will likely be the case if another investigation is launched, which gives credence to the suspicion that the renewed call has political color. ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

AGAPITO JOAQUIN JR. Associate Editor

CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY Consultant

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EDGEDAVAO

The cheating heart

NAÏS Nin was an author born to Cuban parents in France, where she was also raised. She spent some time in Spain and Cuba but lived most of her life in the United States where she became an established author. At one time, Nin shared this story: “Someone told me the delightful story of the crusader who put a chastity belt on his wife and gave the key to his best friend for safekeeping, in case of his death. He had ridden only a few miles away when his friend, riding hard, caught up with him, saying ‘You gave me the wrong key!’” The anecdote may come as funny but that was what came to my mind while reading this story posted in one of my friend’s Facebook account: A father put his 3-year-old daughter to bed, told her a story and listened to her prayers which ended by saying: “God bless Mommy, God bless Daddy, God bless Grandma and goodbye Grandpa.” The father asked, “Why did you say goodbye Grandpa?” The little girl said, “I don’t know daddy, it just seemed like the thing to do.” The next day grandpa died. The father thought it was a strange coincidence. A few months later the father put the girl to bed and listened to her prayers which went like this: “God bless Mommy, God Bless Daddy and goodbye Grandma.” The next day the grandmother died. The father thought, “This kid is in contact with the other side.” Several weeks later when the girl was going to bed the dad heard her say: “God bless Mommy and goodbye Daddy.” He practically went into shock. He couldn’t sleep all night and got up at the crack of dawn to go to his office. He was nervous as a cat all day, had lunch and watched the clock. He figured if he could get by until midnight he would be okay.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 34 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

He felt safe in the office, so instead THINK ON THESE! of going home at the end of the day he stayed there, drinking coffee, looking at his watch and jumping at every sound. Finally, midnight arrived; he breathed a sigh of relief and went Henrylito D. Tacio home. When he henrytacio@gmail.com got home his wife said, “I’ve never seen you work so late, what’s the matter?” He replied, “I don’t want to talk about it, I’ve just spent the worst day of my life.” She told him, “You think you had a bad day? You’ll never believe what happened to our kumpare, who lived next door. This morning, he dropped dead on our front yard!” This brings us to the subject of infidelity. “Statistically speaking, there is a 65 percent chance that the love of your life is having an affair. Be very suspicious,” wrote Scott Dikkers, author of You Are Worthless: Depressing Nuggets of Wisdom Sure to Ruin Your Day. When you get married, you expect your partner to love you “in health or in sickness” and “in richer or poorer” as long as both of you are still living. But there comes a time when either the husband or the wife may succumb to temptation. That’s where infidelity comes in. Being unfaithful to the person you love is unthinkable. But it happens and the result is always pain. Haruki Murakami, in South of the Border, West of the Sun, tried to describe the pain through these words: “I think you still love me, but we can’t escape the fact that I’m not enough for you. I

knew this was going to happen. So I’m not blaming you for falling in love with another woman. I’m not angry, either. I should be, but I’m not. I just feel pain. A lot of pain. I thought I could imagine how much this would hurt, but I was wrong.” In her Split: A Memoir of Divorce, Suzanne Finnamore gives us an account as to what transpired between the couple once she found out that the other was cheating on her: “How could you do that to me?” I repeat. I don´t have to itemize. He knows what I speak of. Eventually N produces three answers, in this order: 1. “Because I am a complete rotter.” I silently agree, but it´s a cop-out: I have maggots, therefore I am dead. 2. “I was stressed at work and unhappy and we were always fighting...and you know I was just crazy...” I cut him off, saying, “You don´t get to be crazy. You did exactly what you chose to do.” Which is true, he did. It is what he has always done. He therefore seems slightly puzzled at the need for further diagnosis, which may explain his third response: 3. “I don’t know.” This, I feel instinctively, is the correct answer. How can I stay angry with him for being what he is? I was, after all, his wife, and I chose him. No coincidences, that´s what (Sigmund) Freud said. None. Ever. In the final analysis, it’s the woman -- more than the man -- who suffers the most when it comes to infidelity. “Virtually all women will always carry the scars and a deep sense of loss and grief from the betrayal. Whether a woman has stayed, left, or been left, it must be remembered that time is the salve on this journey towards forgiveness and healing, because it is also a process of grieving,” wrote Meryn G. Callander in After His Affair: Women Rising from the Ashes of Infidelity.

Trapos not the best exemplars of Federalism

E should be wary about traditional politicos who want to shift to the federal system of government but who cannot claim to exemplify its workings. If anything, federalism stands for decentralization, for making people at the grassroots the center of gravity in politics—with reforms anchored on their sovereignty, not on the imperious authority of an official or his dynasty. Federalism exemplifies the coming together of self-governing units of society that desire to be bound by common rules and decide to enter into a federation within the framework of local autonomy or self-government. Thus a federal system is not compatible with the habit of wielding power from the top or the center, as is the style of strong-arm leaders and oligarchs. ***** Federalism cannot be properly served by a leader with a pronounced dictatorial streak, especially one with a penchant for dynastic succession. He cannot effectively decentralize the system or empower the people; it’s his dynasty that will be empowered! If he expresses impatience at the slow pace of reforms and espouse a revolutionary approach to hasten changes, he’s likely to employ fascistic methods, or resort to a simplistic approach like Martial Law or dictatorship. Unfortunately, societal change entails complex processes; thus, to resort to shortcuts is not a good idea. It would be folly to establish democracy by means of dictatorship. ***** Change induced by manipulative methods is not only dangerous, it is antithetical to the avowed aim of strengthening or institutionalizing democratic processes. People craving change should not pursue it through a cult of personality, preferring it to the complexity of people powered reform. It would be ill-advised.

THE WORM’S EYEVIEW BY MANNY VALDEHUESA Such was the case with Martial Rule in the early 1970s when a lot of Filipinos thought they finally found the right combination for achieving reforms. They adopted a simplistic formula for social progress, namely: Marcos + Martial Law = Peace and Order and Prosperity. They even applauded the execution of a drug-dealer without due process. Simple and simplified justice! ***** Fortunately, not all fell for it; the rest of society knew better and decided to bide their time. And sure enough, things started to turn sour before long. The sleazy side of Martial Law soon emerged and Marcos and company embraced the siren song of plunder, corruption, and unspeakable abuse. That shortcut-motivated “reform” drew out the worst that fascism induces in gun-wielding agents of the State. It drained our wealth, eviscerated our self-respect, and blew away what little innocence remained in our hearts up till that time. So we had better be very wary today. It’s easy to advocate federalism and claim that it will wipe out corruption, crime, unemployment, or poverty. But other systems make the same claims too—and it rarely works out that way. There is no evidence that a federal system eradicates corruption or conduces to good governance better than other systems. ***** What is generally true is that, regardless of what system is in place, political parties are the essential infrastructure for good governance. We’re talking here of a PARTY SYSTEM, not of an individual with a Dirty Harry reputation, to

preside over a democratic way of life. One ambitious individual campaigning for a shift to the federal system just won’t do; not even if he becomes president. The problems of our society are social/political issues; they cannot be readily solved by individual prescriptions. Societal attention and mobilization are needed; not a Lone Ranger problem-solver. It’s our democracy that is being challenged, our very way of life; only by letting it operate properly can things be fixed. ***** Thus we must be wary and tread carefully. Let’s keep away from leaders with a penchant for centralism, usually incumbents with a Messianic complex and a heavy-handed way of governing, oligarchs who are uncomfortable if they’re not making the decisions. The prospect of ceding central power in favor of federalism—a bottom-up system of government—is not congenial to them; it will soon be violated by their accustomed heavy-handedness. On the other hand, it’s clever strategy for a trapo to advocate federalism now. It gives him visibility and front-runner status in forthcoming elections. If he gets the vote and the federal movement gains momentum, he gets to “own” the issue, take charge, and co-opt the movement’s leadership. Then he and his dynasty can manipulate the system from a dominant position. (MindaViews is the opinion section of MindaNews. Manny Valdehuesa is former UNESCO regional director for Asia-Pacific; secretary-general, Southeast Asia Publishers Association; director, development academy of Philippines; member, Philippine Mission to the UN; vice chair, Local Government Academy; member, Cory Govt’s Peace Panel; awardee, PPI-UNICEF outstanding columnist. He is chairman/convenor, Gising Barangay Movement Inc. and author of books on governance. valdehuesa@gmail.com)

VANTAGE POINTS

Just because we’re from Davao

(Part 1)

S May MY TWO CENTS’ turns to June the thoughts occupying many of our recent college graduates focus on getting jobs. Jose (not his real name) has gone to John Tria Manila seekecisouth@gmail.com ing employment opportunities. As a graduate of accounting from a local university here in Davao, he has had to deal with some light forms of discrimination from Manila-based employers who tend to prefer graduates from Manila’s university belt. He says that what he noticed was that the resumes of his counterparts from the Manila schools were not as well done as his, and that their facility in English is not as refined as his was. Yet, in the process of final selection they seemed to get better opportunities or get selected ahead of graduates from “provincial“ schools. This kind of treatment is essentially discrimination, defined as treating people differently based on certain innate characteristics, as opposed to their skills or capabilities. It is perhaps most pronounced in hiring prospective employees. Certain areas tend to favor people who are familiar as opposed to the unfamiliar Well, I’ve been told that Dabawenyos in particular have certain characteristics that tend to arouse curiosity of a few from Manila. I’d like to tackle some of them and maybe shed some light on why such a phenomenon exists. We don’t drink as much as others For one, we don’t drink and consume as much alcohol as much as they do. I recall a visitor to Davao commenting on how boring he claimed the nightlife is, saying that while there are nightspots, it’s hard to find regular drinking partners here in Davao. I explained that people here tend to eat more as food is cheaper, and wake up early as there is a lot that needs to be done early while it’s not yet too hot. Perhaps this is also why people tend to go home and sleep earlier than our counterparts in Manila and Cebu. The apex of work is about ten in the morning, before the heat gets unbearable. We take our religion and values more seriously Another observation I get is that while Davao is not really a deeply religious city with strong images of religion like Ilocos, Iloilo, or Naga (no old churches that dominate the urban space), people tend to take their religion or faith seriously, in that they are not ashamed about saying they attend mass or other religious services. Another observer mentioned to me that Dabawenyos tend to be more sincere or good natured as opposed to Metro Manilans, telling me that he remembers a Dabawenyo telling him that he would rather be fooled by another than be the one accused of fooling. This tends to be a bit different from the way others in Manila behave, when he himself said that “BASTA DI AKO PWEDENG ISAHAN… BAHALA SIYA, AKO ANG MAUUNANG MANG-ISA.” OK. So we weigh our religion, and maybe our values more carefully than others. But is there any sin to this? Choosing the good nature vs succumbing to the not-so-good is a noteworthy, if not admirable trait. We speak a funny language yet say it straight Metro Manilans smile when they hear Dabawenyos speak that combined Tagalog and Bisaya dialect. While some Visayans appreciate the effort to integrate their language, Metro Manilans tend to laugh at the language. Of course, we in Davao are not native speakers of either language, but the melting pot society in the Davao gulf has evolved a language that all tend to understand, and perhaps even unite under. Perhaps the same can be said of the future presidential race. Many articles recently coming out about comments by some people in Luzon on Mayor Duterte’s speeches from his listening tour have thus features comments like “Hindi magaling managalog pero matikas magsalita,” It’s like saying that speaking a regional dialect from the north is a precondition for election to a national post. Nonetheless, what matters is not how well it is said, but what is said. (To be continued)

EDGEDAVAO

10 COMPETITIVE EDGE

VOL. 8 ISSUE 34 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

ROUND THE CLOCK. Construction workers of the Aeon Towers project work day and night for the 33-level iconic project of local developer FTC Group of Companies. Aeon Towers is reputed to be the tallest skyscraper in Mindanao when completed by 2016.

Davao Light employees join ‘Brigada Eskwela’ K

NOWING the importance of a conducive environment necessary for the learning and growth of the students, Davao Light and Power Co., an Aboitiz-owned company, geared up B. Carpio National High School (BCNHS) in Buhangin, Davao City and Tanglaw 3A Elementary School in B. Dujali, Davao del Norte last May 16 for this year’s

school opening. This is Davao Light’s support to the Department of Education’s (DepEd) annual Brigada Eskwela or National Schools Maintenance Week with theme “Tayo Para sa Kalinisan at Kahandaan ng Ating mga Paaralan”. Around 200 employees gathered in BCNHS to help repaint the 4 school buildings or a total of 16 class-

rooms. BCNHS Principal Evelyn Magno led the opening ceremony together with the school faculty, staff, students and alumni. Buhangin Brgy. Captain Jimmy C. Salvador was also present to grace the event. “Davao Light has always been very supportive to our school. For this year, we are a recipient of three projects in which one of these is the

tact and have begun to mimic the characteristics of a natural reef. Sponge and soft corals have also grown on their surface, indicating the ACRs have started to attract fish and other marine organisms to the fish sanctuary. Brgy. Hizon captain Ralph O. Abella thanked DCWD for the project that was started last year also in celebration of the Ocean Month. He said this helped the barangay’s initiative of setting a fish sanctuary or marine protected area to address the problem of dwindling fish population due to excessive fishing, climate change and other man-made activities. Gracing the event as special guest was second district councilor Marissa S. Abella who lauded the sustainable project of DCWD. According to her, the city government will implement projects for rehabilitation of water resources in Davao City’s 24 coastal barangays through a foreign grant and DCWD’s artificial coral reefs making and installation

project will serve as the model project to be replicated in these barangays. On behalf of DCWD general manager Edwin V. Regalado, Public Information / Relations Division manager Maria Editha C. Monje thanked Brgy. Hizon and the city government through councilor Abella for acknowledging the efforts of the water utility that supports the environmental campaign of ridge to reef protection. She also expressed gratitude to BFAR for their assistance in the installation and monitoring of the ACRs and to the DCWD employees for their sustained interest in the propagation of marine life. Another activity in line with the Ocean Month celebration slated on May 29 at 1:00 PM is Mga Awit Para sa Karagatan interagency battle of the bands. DCWD invites everyone to drop by SM City Davao Annex to witness the participating bands sing and rock their hearts out for our ocean and water resources. (Jamae G. Dela Cruz)

DCWD celebrates Ocean Month

AVAO City Water District’s artificial coral reefs are thriving! This, DCWD employees learned when they revisited the fish sanctuary at Lizada Beach in Brgy. Hizon where the 22 artificial coral reefs or ACRs they made last year were installed. Dubbed Balik Gulpo sa Hizon, this activity was conducted last May 12 in line with the 2015 Ocean Month Celebration themed “Stand up, Save our Reefs”. Balik Gulpo sa Hizon was made possible through DCWD’s partnership with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources - Fisheries Resource Management Division whose divers conducted the ACRs survey with the supervision of chief Raul C. Millana. Also in attendance were Brgy. Hizon officials and officers of the Barangay Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Council and 25 women and fisherfolk representatives. The underwater photos and videos taken underwater showed the ACRs are all in-

DCWD revisits the artificial coral reefs at Lizada Beach on May 12. Selected DCWD employees, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources personnel and Brgy. Hizon officials and officers of the Barangay Fisheries

and Aquatic Resource Management Council, women and fisherfolk representatives participate in Balik Gulpo sa Hizon activity for the 2015 Ocean Month celebration.

support to our Brigada Eskwela activity. Other support that they will give us this year are the computer donation and the electrical laboratory. We could not ask for more with the generosity that the Davao Light has shown to our school.” said Principal Magno. Simultaneously, 19 employees from the Davao Light Panabo Branch helped

refurbish and clean the 4 classrooms in Tanglaw Elementary School. “Education is very important as it prepares the next generation for the future. We in Davao Light have been a product of education. This is why Davao Light together with the Aboitiz Foundation gives utmost importance to projects that would really promote

growth and learning to all our students.” said Arturo Milan, Davao Light’s EVP and COO. The Davao Light employees’ participation in the Brigada activities is not only a manifestation of support to the DepEd but also a way of engaging themselves in corporate social responsibility projects undertaken by the company.

Eco-friendly project in Davao City Jail

NEW solar water-heating system, which was installed in Davao City Jail’s kitchen with support from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), was inaugurated today. The system is expected to significantly reduce environmental and financial costs for the jail. By using energy from the sun to heat the water used to cook food for over 2,000 inmates, the new system will reduce the boiling time for each pot by 20 to 30 minutes, thereby saving up to 60,000 kilograms of wood per year. It will also save time and money, and lessen the exposure of kitchen staff to health risks associated with cooking with firewood. “It’s a big help to everyone as the meals are now served on time, unlike in the past, when they took so much ef-

fort to cook. This initiative has not only helped the jail save on costs; it has also instilled good housekeeping practices among the inmates. I always remind them to maintain such important projects to ensure their sustainability,” said Jail Superintendent Simeon Dolojo, Jr., Davao City Jail’s warden. Before the system was installed, the jail management had built nine energy-saving stoves for cooking pots and had begun heating water using electrical water heaters to reduce wood consumption and the kitchen staff’s exposure to smoke. Although they used less wood, the electricity bill increased, prompting them to explore alternatives. Other jails have likewise benefited from innovative energy-saving projects supported by the ICRC. The orga-

nization has helped introduce similar solar water-heating systems in Digos City District Jail (Davao del Sur), Panabo City District Jail (Davao) and Valencia City Jail (Bukidnon). In 2009, a biogas system was installed in Cagayan de Oro City Jail (Misamis Oriental). “Aside from promoting renewable energy, we introduce these projects so that the money that will be saved could be used to improve the living conditions of inmates,” explained Marco Albertini, the ICRC water and habitat coordinator. Since 2007, the ICRC has been working closely with Philippine jail authorities, including the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, to reduce overcrowding and improve the general living conditions of detainees.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 34 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

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trajudicial killings of suspected criminals should prompt a long overdue investigation into Duterte’s possible role in those deaths,” Kine said. For his part, City Council committee on peace and order and public safety chair councilor Nilo Abellera Jr. told reporters that HRW’s call is “redundant.” Abellera said Duterte has been investigated by the CHR during the time of now Justice Secretary Leila Delima and the office proved nothing. He also agreed with Bello that the call for investigation cropped up since there are only a few months before the 2016 presidential election. “Parati naman pag may election meron talagan intriga. Baka wala silang ibang mabato sa ating mayor kaya yun ang issue nila (There are always intrigues every time there is an election. Maybe they have no other issues to throw against our mayor),” he said. Abellera said the people behind the call are conditioning the mind of the people against the mayor especially nowadays when there are rumors that Duterte will run for president in 2016. For councilor Leah Librado-Yap, the issue is due to the higher rating of Duterte in the last Social Weather Station (SWS) Survey for possible presidential candidates. “I think it is politically mo-

tivated because this issue is redundant since the previous investigation of CHR has already been settled,” Librado-Yap said. She said the people have accepted Duterte’s style of governance prioritizing the peace and order of his city. She said when it comes to the issue of killings, the mayor knows what is legal and illegal since he is a lawyer. “I trust what our mayor always said because he knows the consequences considering our mayor is a lawyer,” she said. Councilor Danilo C. Dayanghirang said for his part that the call is just an “election ploy” since the election is approaching. He said, however, that HRW has the right to call for an investigation against the mayor. In his Facebook account, Vice Mayor Paolo Z. Duterte said: “tan.awa sa ang inyong kaugalingong tugkaran, usa mo manghilabot sa tugkaran sa laing nasud (Look at your own place before you interfere with the affairs of other countries).” Edge Davao tried to get the side of Duterte but his executive assistant Christopher Lawrence Go said in a text message that the mayor is still traveling. Go said the mayor will give his comment on Thursday. With a report from Jon Joaquin

young Duterte, however, had reportedly denied seeking an elective post. Councilor Leonardo Avila III, meanwhile, said he is open to the possibility of running for the vice mayoral race in 2016 if Vice Mayor Paolo Z. Duterte will be fielded as Hugpong’s mayoral candidate. Avila is only in his first

term as a returning councilor, and he, too, can just end up seeking re-election should the vice mayor seeks a second term. Louie John Bonguyan, another councilor whose final term ends in June next year, is also reportedly interested in running for vice mayor come May.

consultation should be made involving all sectors. For his part, Dayanghirang said there would have been no problem with the project had the DOTC only coordinated with the city government. He said if the project will

be pursued, the city will be the one to facilitate the zoning, the traffic flow, and the relocation of the people. Dayanghirang said the city will be the one to enact an ordinance to close the area for traffic.

Henry Sy Jr. said the company would complete the study on the Visayas-Mindanao power link-up in a few months. “The eastern side will be finished in a few months’ time. We already completed the study on the western side,” Sy said. The eastern option refers to the route that will run from Leyte to Surigao while the western option will run from Negros to Dipolog. “Eastern side is a bit technically difficult. For the western side, meanwhile, it will pass through a lot of areas under the Bangsamoro. We don’t know the rules there because it will pass by the ar-

eas under BBL (Bangsamoro Basic Law) negotiations. If that is resolved then we can announce it immediately,” Sy said in a report. The interconnection project will allow the Luzon and Visayas grids to share excess electricity to Mindanao or vice-versa via submarine cables and overhead transmission lines. Originally, the NGCP targeted to start the construction by 2016 and complete it by 2018. NGCP, which was contracted to operate the national grid for 25 years, estimated that the interconnection project would cost $500 million.

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a study to determine the GHG emissions and carbon sequestration capacity,” Bryan H. Diosma, MinDA technical head for Mindanao Power Monitoring Committee, said. The study will provide baseline data that will be the basis of the development of LEDS strategies for each LGU. Diosma said MinDA will

be partnering with LGUs for the program that will be implemented in all LGUs in Mindanao by 2018. “With this partnership, LGUs will be able to participate in lowering green house gases, “ Department of Environment and Natural Resources 11 regional director Joseline Marcus Fragada said.

cality. As a whole, Edge Davao is a paragon of high quality journalism, a local newspaper that combines, in seamless meld, high quality writing and community value,” Dayanghirang said. He said in addition to being Best Edited, EDGE Davao was also bestowed two other awards last Friday night: Best in Environmental Reporting and Best in Culture, Arts and History Reporting. “In sum, EDGE Davao won three of six national awards, making it the winningest community newspaper of the year,” he said. “In fact, this is the second straight year that Edge Davao was chosen Best Edited Community Daily. It got the same coveted plum last year handed to editor Ajero by no less than former President Fidel V. Ramos, himself a newspaper columnist and author of at least 20 books so far,” he added.

Dayanghirang also commended Sun.Star Davao, edited by Stella Estremera, was chosen Best in Economic and Business Reporting, “clinching the superiority in quality of Davao publications over their counterparts in the Visayas and Luzon.” He said another noteworthy achievement was that of lawyer Jesus G. Dureza, columnist and publisher of the Mindanao Times, Davao’s oldest community newspaper, who was reelected president and chairman of the Philippine Press Institute (PPI). “In recognition of his outstanding performance and leadership style, Mr. Dureza, who once served as member of the House of Representatives representing the First District of Davao City and Press Secretary, among other public offices, was re-elected Chairman-President of the PPI,” he said.

eration Font (MILF). “The general concern of the officials of the proposed core territories is that they have minimal knowledge on the peace process,” he said. “However, we didn’t hear any opposition from them. They are all supportive of the Bangsamoro,” he added. In the ongoing basic orientation on the Bangsamoro held at the Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao for over 700 barangay officials of North

Cotabato and Cotabato City, participants expressed support for the BBL. Mustapha P. Aliman, chair of Baranggay Gokotan of the municipality of Pikit in North Cotabato, said his people support the passage of the BBL. Kagawad Noraisa Mantawil of Barangay Sanggadong in Kabacan, North Cotabato said she hopes the passage of the BBL will end the war in their community. Cheneen R.Capon

container terminal connected by rail to the country’s premier port in its future form,” Gonzalez said. “I think this ambition that we have is something that requires congratulations at this point. Obviously, with all the hard work from all of us and help of the government, we will make this a reality in the coming years,” he added. ICTSI was the first logistics company to introduce intermodal freight transport in the Philippines when it offered container transport service by rail from the late 1990s to the early 2000s. ICTSI divested from the business in 2003 due to a slowdown in the container market in southern Luzon. The improving Philippine economy in recent years resulted in increased container traffic, prompting ICTSI to re-open the Laguna dry port in March to support the growing volume. ICTSI also plans to revive the rail freight service to and from the MICT

and the Laguna dry port in the near future. “Once everybody starts using LGICT, we can expect even better productivity levels at MICT. Most importantly, the whole economy will benefit from this project,” Mr. Gonzalez adds. The dry port’s current annual capacity of 250,000 TEUs effectively increases MICT’s capacity by 10 percent. LGICT will help lower MICT’s import inventory, average import dwell time and laden yard utilization by offering storage services to clients in southern Luzon. As a regional logistics hub, LGICT will provide the much-needed logistical support to manufacturers, importers and exporters at the economic zones within the CALABARZON area by reducing truck turnaround time and accelerating trade movement. It offers both shortterm and long-term storage options as well as transport service to and from MICT.

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PPA approved developments. Quite a contrary to the spirit of public-private partnership,” the Chamber said. The PPP rationale of designing the project to address the issue on port congestion is also not feasible anymore as container volume in the Sasa Port is now down by 50 percent, according to the DCCCII. The Chamber also listed several other points which make the Sasa Port project unrealistic, like the lack of design for cruise ship and the decline in the domestic passenger traffic. “For priority tourism focus, Sasa Port must have facilities that can handle cruise ship traffic which globally is increasing 20 percent annually,” the DCCCII said. The business group also questioned the bidding rules which, it said, is unfriendly to local companies who wish to participate. Some of the requirements include the P3 billion capitalization as of De-

cember 2014. “Currently, Sasa Port cargo handling is uniquely shared by Filport and DIPSSCOR (ICTSI), a healthy competition benefitting the shippers and consumers with the choice. Under the PPP, there certainly be a monopoly by one company,” DCCCII said. Just last Monday, former city councilor Peter T. Laviña said implementation of the P17-billion modernization of the Sasa Port could be a scheme by the administration party to raise funds for the 2016 presidential election. Laviña said they will seek the help of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) in getting a temporary restraining order (TRO) and hold in abeyance the implementation of the controversial project. He also wrote a letter to Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales asking her office to investigate the “questionable” increase in the price of the project.

ter head Jaime Zobel de Ayala II said the business sector will continue to focus on the Bangsamoro area. “There has been a tremendous amount of work that has already been done by the Bangsamoro Development Agency on the development plan. I think it’s time for us to recognize their efforts for the development of the Bangsamoro area,” OPAPP quoted Zobel as saying. “That recognition alone should give us the framework that the BBL is important to us all as an institution. It’s something very positive and I hope it’s the start,” he added. OPAPP said the forum was attended by government leaders, chief executive officers from the country’s top corporations, representatives from development agencies, and foreign dignitaries from the international community. It was highlighted by a roundtable discussion on investment opportunities for peace and inclusive development in Mindanao. Business leaders were also given an overview of the Bangsamoro Development Plan, which PBSP chair Manny V. Pangilinan said was “an investment for peace.” National Treasurer Roberto Tan, representing Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, said it could be “our last opportunity to push for the peace process.” PBSP director Rafael Lopa, for his part, said the forum “hopes to come up with concrete steps for greater business sector participation in the development of the Bangsamoro region and in the process, help shape an enabling environment that will lead to long term investments with economic and social returns.” “By bringing in business and development that leads to inclusive growth, we hope

to further promote peace and initiate long-lasting solutions to the challenges facing the region,” he added. Mohagher Iqbal, chairman of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission, welcomed the desire of the business leaders to help in the development of the Bangsamoro. “For us, however, development of the Bangsamoro should go hand in hand with political autonomy and social protection. We are a self-reliant, proud people. That’s why we seek support for the passage of the BBL,” OPAPP quoted Iqbal as saying. Saffrulah M. Dipatuan, chairman of the Bangsamoro Development Agency, gave an overview of the BDP which he said aims to promote just, honorable and lasting peace and sustainable development in the region. Dipatuan said unlike conventional development plans, the BDP was written to address the causes of conflict and justice to ensure that stability – a requirement for growth and development – takes place. “The BDP is a comprehensive roadmap that articulates the needs and aspirations of people in the Bangsamoro towards a better quality of life,” he said. It is also the first development plan written by a revolutionary group, which Dipatuan pointed out is a testament to the MILF’s commitment towards peace and progress in the Bangsamoro. Also sharing their current initiatives in Mindanao were development partners and multilateral agencies led by Motoo Konishi, country director of the World Bank; Richard Bolt, country director of the Asian Development Bank; and Noriaki Niwa, chief representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

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DAVAO CITY MAIN OFFICE

GENERAL SANTOS CITY MARKETING OFFICE

Director of Sales

Marketing Specialist

JOCELYN S. PANES

Door 14 ALCREJ Bldg., Quirino Ave., Davao City Tel: (082) 224-1413 Telefax: (082) 221-3601

EDMUND P. RENDON

General Santos City

Mobile: (Sun) 0925-357-3460 (Smart) 0907-202-3844

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 34 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

NEWS Duterte says failure is not an option if he becomes president in 2016

EDGEDAVAO

JOB OPPORTUNITY

A Davao based automotive company is a need of GENERAL MANAGER who will perform the following functions: • Provide overall leadership and direction to ensure the company’s continued growth/profitability and achieve its desired state for the future; • Set strategic directions, targets, strategies and performance control indicators for the sales, after-sales services, and administrative support units of the company. • Achieve bottom-line results such as gross sales, profitability, operating efficiencies, and shareholder relations. The ideal candidate is one who has a proven track record as a General Manager having steered a company with a sales revenue of at least P500 million annually and with at least 50 employees. He or she must be at least 40 years old. A competitive compensation package awaits our ideal candidate. Kindly email your Resume with photo and Career Highlights on or before May 19, 2015 to: humanresource.davao@gmail.com

AVAO City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte has opened up to the possibility of him winning the Presidency in 2016 even as he maintained that should that happen, failure is not an option. Speaking before a crowd of more than 5,000 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) gathered at the Souther Stadium in Wan Chai last Sunday (May 17), Duterte said that “should I run for President and win in 2016, there will be no room for him to fail”. “I will not be president and sit for six years and at the end of my term, tell you that I tried my best, but failed. No…if I run and win, I cannot afford to fail my people. So if it is His will for me

to run, then God help me”, Duterte told the applauding OFWs. Duterte also reminded the audience not to be influenced by popularity surveys in choosing the next chief executive of the country. “Poll surveys seem to have replaced political parties in our choice of future leaders. Before, there were party conventions where mayors, governors and other party leaders from all over the country choose who they considered to be the best to represent their party in the electoral battle. Now, if you do not fare well in the pre-election surveys, your own party mates desert you”, explained Duterte, who is currently a member of the PDP-Laban Party. Duterte placed third in the latest poll surveys as a possible presidential candidate. It was the first time his name was included in the surveys, yet he already tied with the very popular former President, now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada. “Do not ever rely on surveys. What we should look for is one who can solve our country’s problems, particularly illegal drugs and rampant criminality”, Duterte told the crowd composed mostly of Filipina domestic helpers. Known for his tough approach to criminality, Duterte said his fight against illegal drugs in the last 20 years was aimed at protecting young people from becoming drug abusers and addicts. “Naghihirap kayo dito sa ibang bansa, trabaho nang trabaho, tapos sa Pilipinas, yung pinaghirapan nyo, kinukuha lang ng mga walang konsensyang drug pushers at drug lords. Kawawa

ang kinabukasan ng mga anak ninyo”, he pointed out. Duterte also explained why federalism is needed to change a system where most of the resources from the provinces are remitted to the central government and very little is brought back to the provinces, where much-needed infrastructure is neglected, and people wallow in poverty. “Kanya nago-OFW maski ang hirap ng kalagayan, o kaya, sumisisksik sa Metro Manila maski squatter, dahil ang mga probinsya, pinapabayaan”, he said. Since the last week of January this year, Duterte has been on a “Listening Tour”, visiting cities and towns in Visayas and Mindanao, with occasional forays in Luzon. Hongkong has been his first listening tour outside the country. During the Hongkong event, organized by fellow Davaoeno Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, Duterte sounded like he was about to make a decision on whether or not to throw his hat into the ring. “I try to feel the pulse of the people, relate to their local leaders, and ask myself whether I am ready for the awesome responsibilities of the presidency. Even if I have been mayor, vice-mayor, congressman for almost thirty years now, I know the presidency is not an easy job. You have to hit the ground running, and you can never stop providing solutions to poverty, high prices, joblessness, while ensuring that people are safe in their homes and in the streets”, explained Duterte. Then he added, “But if it is God’s will, which He will show in the people’s support, then God help me”.

14 EDGEDAVAO Sports Historic Thunderbird Challenge Derby set June 6

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T’S history in the making when the 6th Annual Thunderbird Challenge is held in Davao City from June 4 - 7 adopting a format that has never been tried before, but promises to be an exciting one. Started in 2010, the Thunderbird Challenge is a yearly-held 4-cock derby among Thunderbird Power Feeds & Thunderbird Powervet’s elite endorsers aimed to promote cockfighting and local tourism, thus it has been held in the

country’s most popular travel destinations : Boracay in 2010, Palawan in 2011, Dakak, Dapitan in 2012, Bohol in 2013 and Ilocos Region in 2014. This coming June 6, the Thunderbird Davao Challenge will be the first-ever “double derby” wherein two 5-cock derbies will be held within each other. There will be the Thunderbird National All-Star 5-Cock Derby and the Thunderbird Mindanao All-Star

5-Cock Derby. These two derbies will be matched separately, will have two separate fight programs and two separate scoreboards. The derby will start with Fight#1 of the Thunderbird National All-Star Derby, followed by Fight#1 of the Thunderbird Mindanao All-Star 5-Cock Derby, then Fight#2 of the National AllStar followed by Fight#2 of the Mindanao All-Star, and so on and so forth. The Thunderbird Nation-

al All-Star 5-Cock Derby will feature cocking greats Engr. Sonny Lagon, Nene Abello, Lancey dela Torre, Pol Estrellado, Rey Briones, Nestor Vendivil, Mayor Bobby Clemente, Cong. Lawrence Wacnang, Joey Sy, Pao Malvar, Mayor Jesry Palmares, Bebot Monsanto, Bernie Tacoy, Winnie Codilla, Mayor Baba Yap, former Gov. Baham Mitra, Joe Laureno, Engr. Sonnie Magtibay, Tol Mariano, Lino Mariano, Tan Brothers (Jun, Bobot & Bong),

Bugsky Ngsuy, Bentoy Sy, Manny Dalipe and Bebot Uy. Meanwhile, the Thunderbird Mindanao All-Star 5-Cock Derby will parade the most prolific and successful gamefowl breeders of Mindanao such as Gov. Eddiebong Plaza, Gov. Claude Baustista, Alex Macariola, Dorie Du, Balong Espinosa, Tata Sala, Kap. Romeo Baquirel, Mario Bantilan, Christian Saldivar, Lyndon Tabuada, Bryan Blanco, Herman Cantuba, Maning

Eva, James Fuentes, Jojie Tiu, Jun Bacolod, Isidoro “B1” Uy, Larry Rubinos/Greg de Carlos, Boy Oncada and Sammy Uy. Another addition to this year’s Thunderbird Davao Challenge are several medical missions, as Thunderbird Cares, in cooperation with Mr. Jun Bacolod conduct medical, dental and optical services in Panabo, in Bgy. Mattina Aplaya, Davao City and in Bgy. Makato, Makilala, North Cotabato.

4,21KO’s) never liked the idea of being confronted in his home turf. During the press launching of the event held yesterday, the defending champ said he looks forward to facing Rodriguez who he labeled as “hambugero” or being boastful. The 21 year old Rodri-

guez’ plans to face Nietes was almost derailed when the Mexican was held to a split draw by Jomar Fajardo. Nietes on the other hand stopped another Mexican, Carlos Velarde in seven rounds in this same venue. Rodriguez had to face Fajardo in a rematch in Mexico and prevail by unanimous verdict. Rodriguez won his first title by de-

throning Nietes’ stablemate, Merlito Sabillo last March 22, 2014. He would capture the IBF belt by beating Katsunari Takayama of Japan in a unification bout. Nietes, who is also a former WBO minimumweight champ, is the longest reigning Filipino world champion. He has shown tremendous improvement even at 33 years of age and he described himself as similar to the local brew “Tuba” which gets better with age, “habang tumatagal, lalong sumasarap.” Nietes also said he keeps himself active in between fights by cycling and

playing basketball. Trainer Edmund Villamor said that they are not taking Rodriguez for granted and are prepared for his style by watching his fight films. Set to make his own thunder on the undercard is top prospect Mark ‘Magnifico’ Magsayo (10-0, 8KO’s), who will be fighting for his first belt when he squares off against Mexico’s Rafael “Guerrito” Reyes (16-4, 12KO’s). They are set for ten rounds for the IBF Youth featherweight title. Magsayo said that he has learned a lot from sparring with multi-division titlist Nonito Donaire. “I am not yet at his level,” Magsayo said, “But I know if I work hard to improve and work on my flaws, I will improve.” Magsayo said he is not yet at the level of a Lomachenko or Walters but he knows he will be there in the near future. ALA Promotions President and CEO Michael Aldeguer also announced the pro debut of one of best lo-

cal amateurs, Kevin Jake ‘KJ’ Cataraja. Cataraja was brought to his attention by ALA gym patriarch Antonio Aldeguer who marveled at an 8 year old with superb skills and hand speed around ten years ago. Now, Cataraja will be making his entry into the pro ranks against a foreign foe, something unprecedented here in the Philippines. Another interesting fact is that Cataraja and Magsayo had a rivalry when they were amateurs.Cataraja said he has been thinking about turning pro for a while now but waited until he was nearing graduation.

NE of the more captivating match-ups in the lower weight divisions is set on July 4 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino. WBO and Ring magazine lineal junior flyweight world champion Donnie “Ahas” Nietes will defend his title against former unified WBO/IBF minimumweight world champ Francisco Rodriguez, Jr of Mexico on the main event of the 31st offering of PINOY PRIDE. R o driguez (17-21,11KO’s), who is the number one contender of the WBO, issued a public challenge to Nietes last November when he was here in Cebu. Nietes (35-1-

Pinoy Pride 31 set July 4

WHEN CHAMPINS COLLIDE. Francisco Rodriguez of Mexico (left) will try to stop the reign of Filipino champion Donnie Nietes (right) in Pinoy Pride 31 on July 4 in Cebu.

Mt. Apo Foundation is 27th GET Golf beneficiary

GET OPEN. Jingo Camomot (right) and Fritz Tan (left) of the GET Cup organizing committee in yesterday’s SCOOP at the Royal Mandaya Hotel.

OUNT Apo Science Foundation Incorporated will be the chief beneficiary of the 27th Guillermo E. Torres (GET) Open golf tournament which reels off this June 14 at the Apo Golf and Country Club. “All cash proceeds which will come from the participating golfers will be given to them which will served as one of the highlights during the awarding ceremonies of the tournament,” said Jingo Camomot of the GET Open golf organizing committee in yesterday’s SCOOP Session at the Royal Mandaya Hotel. The funds will be used for the scholars’ education and stay in the foundation. Some 300 golfers are seen

to join the tournament which will use the 18-hole Modified Stableford competition format with special trophies and items at stake in the Class A, B, C and Ladies categories. Two vehicles from Kar Asia Incorporated will be at stake as hole-in-one prizes on designated par three fairways. A brand new Mitusbishi Montero SUV and a Mitsubishi Mirage sedan will be up for grabs for the lucky player who scores an ace. Aside from these two vehicles, motorcycles from EMCOR Incorporated and Motortrade will also be at stake in the tournament which is also supported by Metropolitan Insurance Company Incorporated and Malayan Insurance. The tournament which

will have shotgun tee-off times at 6 a.m. and 11 a.m. is also presented by the University of Mindanao Broadcasting Network (UMBN), The Mindanao Times, UM Medical and Multitest Diagnostic Cneter, The University of Mindanao and the Royal Mandaya Hotel. The awarding rites will be on that evening, 6:30 p.m. at the Grand Ballroom of the Royal Mandaya Hotel. Registration is now ongoing pegged at P2,000 inclusive of a mulligan. Deadline of registration will be on June 13 at 5 p.m. Interested my now register and pay at the Apo Golf and Country Club and at the University of Mindanao Broadcasting Network (UMBN) office.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 34 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

SPORTS 15 Kyrie says he’s ready for Game 1

EDGEDAVAO

BACK FOR GAME 1. Cleveland starting guard Kyrie Irving (2) will be suiting up for the Cavaliers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Timberwolves’ Wiggins is NBA’s top rookie

NDREW Wiggins of the Minnesota Timberwolves has been selected the NBA Rookie of the Year, the league announced on Monday. Wiggins, the first Canadian player to win the honor, was the only unanimous choice in voting for the NBA rookie team by 130 American and Canadian sports writers and broadcasters. The first overall draft pick in 2014, he played in all 82 games for the Timberwolves, averaging a rookie-high 16.9 points. Joining Wiggins on the first team were Nikola Mirotic (Chicago Bulls), Nerlens Noel (Phil-

adelphia 76ers), Elfrid Payton (Orlando Magic) and Jordan Clarkson (Los Angeles Lakers). Montenegro-born power forward Mirotic, who plays internationally for Spain, averaged 10.2 points for the Bulls. American Noel had a stellar season with a poor team, pulling down 8.1 rebounds per game. He also ranked 10th in the NBA in steals and seventh in blocks, the only player in the league to rank in the top 10 in both categories. Point guard Payton was the rookie leader in assists, while guard Clarkson averaged 16.7 points in 28 games after the All-Star break.

CHESSFEST. Arbiter Alfred Moulic announces the staging of the 2nd Davao Monthly Chess Challenge at the NCCC Mall on May 30, 2015 during the SCOOP Forum at The Royal Mandaya Hotel. NJB

YRIE Irving finished an animated post-practice shooting game of ‘’Around The World’’ with LeBron James and then quickly removed any doubt about his playing status for Game 1. ‘’I’m going to go,’’ he said. Cleveland’s All-Star guard may not be 100 percent - or anywhere close - but he’s much better and that’s welcome news to the Cavs, who will open the Eastern Conference finals on Wednesday in Atlanta. Irving has been bothered by a sore right foot since Game 2 of the opening round against Boston, and he sat out the final half of the Cavs’ series-clinching win over Chicago last week with tendinitis in his left knee. But a weekend of rest and rehab allowed Irving to make it through a full practice on Monday, lifting his spirts and improving the Cavs’ chances against the East’s top seed. Irving said he has come a long way from the way he felt Thursday night while sitting on the bench in United Center. ‘’Just being able to actually feel both my feet underneath me, especially when I’m shooting, it feels amazing,’’ said Irving, who was limited to 12 minutes in Game 6. ‘’I don’t want to be on the sideline at all, especially preparing for a big stage like this.’’

Irving’s improved health seemed to have an immediate impact with James, who ran around like a little kid after all of his teammates left the practice floor. ‘’I can’t leave. You just gotta let me go,’’ James yelled to good friend, Damon Jones, his former teammate who works with him on his shooting. ‘’I’m locked in.’’ James knocked down 8 of 10 shots from 40 feet and threw down several jaw-dropping dunks before meeting with reporters in good spirits. ‘’He feels better,’’ James said. ‘’Obviously the days have helped him. You know, we really don’t know until we get out there on Wednesday. The good thing is he’s positive, he’s feeling better, and that’s positive for our team.’’ Irving’s injuries threatened to derail the Cavs before they even took the floor against the Hawks, a balanced squad with quick guards and numerous offensive weapons. The Cavs are already without forward Kevin Love (shoulder surgery) and can’t afford to be without another of top player. Still, there’s no way of knowing how effective Irving will be until he’s on the court trying to drive past Hawks forward Paul Millsap or guarding fellow All-Star Jeff Teague or his backup, Dennis Schroder.

‘’Both can break you down on the dribble,’’ Cavs coach David Blatt said. ‘’Both can push the ball. Both can get to the rim and create for not only themselves, but for others. They are a handful. Two excellent guards who can play together. That presents another whole set of problems.’’ Blatt got a little defensive when pushed about Irving’s status. ‘’Look, today is Monday,’’ he said. ‘’I told you a few days ago that I expect he’ll play. It’s just good to see that he’s making some progress. He’s not there 100 percent yet, but he’s making progress and that’s a very good sign. I’m hopeful.’’ As he matched shots with James following practice, Irving didn’t try any dunks but he did attempt a couple layups, cautiously jumping off his right leg. Afterward, Irving was upbeat and optimistic as he spoke about the opportunity threatened by pain in his knee and foot. These are his first playoffs, and he doesn’t want to be a spectator for another second. ‘’This is the biggest stage that you want to be part of,’’ Irving said. ‘’Obviously people strive in the regular season to get to the playoffs and now I see absolutely why. There’s nothing like the playoffs. Nothing at all.’’

by Japan’s Kei Nishikori. “For the first time in many years Nadal will not be the favorite going into Roland Garros,” Courier, who will commentate on the tournament for British channel ITV, said. “That role is now firmly occupied by Novak Djokovic. Nadal is less vulnerable in Paris, given the best of fiveset format which allows him more time to problem solve but there are now guys in the locker room who see him as an opportunity rather than an immovable obstacle.” Nadal was beaten by Stanislas Wawrinka in the quarter-finals of the Rome Masters, following his defeat by Andy

Murray in the Madrid Masters final the week before. The 28-year-old Spaniard also lost to Djokovic in Monte Carlo and has looked nowhere near the player who has lost only one match at Roland Garros in 10 years of domination. Djokovic, beaten in last year’s final by Nadal, has been in electrifying form and after beating Roger Federer to win the Rome title on Sunday looks to have a golden opportunity to complete his career grand slam. That favorites tag will bring its own pressures, though, and Nadal, who will be seeded outside the top four, is not the only threat to the Serb’s

hopes of a first French Open. “Murray is most certainly a threat to go very deep and, if the draw breaks in his favor, a final is attainable,” Courier said. “Once you reach the final, anything goes -- especially now that Nadal is playing like a mortal on the clay again. “Kei Nishikori is my second favorite behind Djokovic and I firmly believe he is the second best claycourt player today. “Also, Nick Krygios has the game, aggressive energy and athletic ability to stir things up the way he did at Wimbledon last year and in Australia in January.”

Nadal no longer immovable in clay N

INE-TIMES French Open champion Rafa Nadal will no longer be regarded as an “immovable obstacle” at Roland Garros this year, according to twice former winner Jim Courier. The American, who ruled the claycourt grand slam in 1991 and 1992, has watched the Spaniard’s increasing vulnerability on the red dust with interest in the build-up to the year’s second grand slam which begins in Paris on Sunday. While Courier believes the best-of-five-set format means Nadal remains formidable, he makes world number one Novak Djokovic favorite followed

BPO BASKETBALL. Winston Braza of Iqor and Mark Xavier de Guzman of Teleperformance flank tournament manager Maki Ancajas of the Davao Call Center Basketball League. The two squads will dispute the championship. NJB

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 34 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015